How can a data model be best described?

A data model serves as an abstract representation of data structures and the relationships among them. It provides a framework for understanding how different data elements interact and how they can be organized within a system. By focusing on the relationships and attributes without delving into physical implementation details, a data model allows for a clearer design and organization of data.

This abstraction enables data analysts and database designers to communicate complex concepts in simpler terms and ensures consistency across systems. It guides the development of databases by outlining how data should be structured and accessed, which is essential for database design and normalization.

The other options, while relating to aspects of data, do not capture the essence of a data model as effectively. A physical representation relates to how data is stored and the specifics of hardware or software configurations, which is not the primary focus of a data model. Describing a data model as a statistical tool is misleading, as statistical tools analyze data rather than represent data structures. Lastly, referring to a data model as a plan for data storage systems overly simplifies its purpose, as it encompasses more than just storage, including structure and relationships.