Alteryx Foundation Micro-Credential Practice Exam

Which of the following best defines the term 'metadata'?

1. Data about data

2. Data used to perform actions

3. Final results of data processing

4. Raw input data

The correct answer is: Data about data

The term 'metadata' is best defined as "data about data." This means that metadata provides information that describes and gives context to the actual data, making it easier to understand and manage. For example, metadata can include details about the source of the data, when it was created, the format of the data, or how it relates to other data sets. This additional layer of information helps users interpret the raw data more effectively, ensuring that the data is utilized properly. In contrast, other definitions do not encapsulate the essence of metadata. Data used to perform actions refers to the application or operational data rather than its descriptive properties. The final results of data processing represent the output of a data analysis task and do not include descriptive information about the data itself. Raw input data consists of unprocessed information that lacks any context or descriptive details and does not inform users about its structure or origin. Thus, "data about data" accurately captures the core concept of metadata.