Is "Data" singular or plural

[nq:1]Is the word "data" singular or plural. (I'm not talking about the android on "Star Trek".)[/nq]
Yes.
[nq:1]For example, which is correct: 1. The data was processed using linear regression. 2. The data were processed using linear regression.[/nq]
They are both correct. I would use only "the data were", but I am in the minority. Most people would use (and use only) "the data was".

"Data isn't what they used to be." Philip Howard.
With best wishes,
Peter.

Peter Young, (BrE), Consultant Anaesthetist, 1975-2004. (US equivalent: Attending Anesthesiologist)
Cheltenham and Gloucester, UK.
Now happily retired.

[nq:2]Yes. They are both correct. I would use only "the ... Most people would use (and use only) "the data was".[/nq]
[nq:1]"Data isn't what they used to be." Philip Howard. With best wishes, Peter.[/nq]
It's worth a Wiki and a Google.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Data
The Latin 'data', being the plural

[nq:1]However, I feel that the pedantic use of a plural verb is a bit of an affectation. I doubt that ... of 'data', which is usually essentially synonymous with 'information'. As such, ordinary folks usually follow 'data' with a singular verb.[/nq]
Since you've dropped into personal attacks, I feel that the anti-pedantic use of a singular verb with a plural subject is a sign of illiteracy.

[nq:1]Is the word "data" singular or plural. (I'm not talking about the android on "Star Trek".) For example, which is correct: 1. The data was processed using linear regression. 2. The data were processed using linear regression.[/nq]
Etymologically, of course, the word is plural, and thus a countable noun, but it's not really used in that way in Present English: we don't say (at least I woul

[nq:2]However, I feel that the pedantic use of a plural ... such, ordinary folks usually follow 'data' with a singular verb.[/nq]
[nq:1]Since you've dropped into personal attacks, I feel that the anti-pedantic use of a singular verb with a plural subject is a sign of illiteracy.[/nq]
Personal attacks? No personal offence intended. I simply feel that the use of a plural verb (where the norm

[nq:2]Since you've dropped into personal attacks, I feel that the anti-pedantic use of a singular verb with a plural subject is a sign of illiteracy.[/nq]
[nq:1]Personal attacks? No personal offence intended. I simply feel that the use of a plural verb (where the normal meaning ... already (mis)use 'datum' to mean a 'reference' or a 'standard'. Again, I doubt if the Romans would understand thi

[nq:1]Is the word "data" singular or plural. (I'm not talking about the android on "Star Trek".) For example, which is correct: 1. The data was processed using linear regression. 2. The data were processed using linear regression.[/nq]
If your question is about English usage I agree with what Martin said (and am a member of the same minority), but
if it's about good statistical practice, t

Here's the answer I'd give:
Originally, a long time ago, "datum" was a singular noun whose plural form was "data".
Nowadays, people use "data" differently, and I myself follow it with verbs that /aren't/ inflected for plural, for instance: "The data is used to ascertain.." (as opposed to "The data are")

(Email Removed), Tomás Ó hÉilidhe (Email Removed) writes
[nq:1]Here's the answer I'd give: Originally, a long time ago, "datum" was a singular noun whose plural form was "data". ... verbs that /aren't/ inflected for plural, for instance: "The data is used to ascertain.." (as opposed to "The data are")[/nq]
So (referring to the OP's question, which was not about Star Trek) you wouldn't say