Which of the following best defines data?

Data is best defined as raw, unprocessed facts, which is precisely what the correct choice articulates. In its purest form, data consists of numbers, characters, images, or other outputs that, on their own, do not carry meaningful context or interpretation. For instance, the number "25," the word "apple," or a series of dates are all examples of data, but they do not provide any insights or conclusions until they are processed or analyzed.

The other choices incorporate elements of processing or interpretation, which moves beyond the basic concept of data. While processed information is valuable and important for decision-making, it is derived from data rather than being synonymous with it. Similarly, conceptual information implies an understanding or analysis based on data, which again transcends the raw state. Lastly, a collection of integrated information suggests aggregation and processing that data undergo before it can be meaningfully used, rather than recognizing it in its fundamental state. Thus, the best definition rests on the unrefined nature of data, emphasizing its role as the foundational building block in information systems.