What refers to the unseen information that can be found in common text files, such as document creation dates?

The correct choice is metadata. Metadata refers to the additional information embedded within files that describes various attributes of the data within that file. This can include file creation dates, authorship, modification dates, file size, and other characteristics that are not immediately visible when viewing the content of the file itself.

In the context of healthcare law and ethics, understanding metadata is critical, especially concerning patient records and documentation, as it can reveal timelines and modifications that are crucial for legal compliance and record-keeping practices.

The other terms listed do not encompass the full scope of what metadata signifies. While file properties are part of metadata and may contain some attributes, they do not cover the entirety of what constitutes metadata. Hidden data is a broader term that could refer to any information that is not readily apparent, but it lacks the specificity that metadata captures regarding the structure and context of the data. Document history typically refers to a record of changes made over time but is not synonymous with the overall data that metadata encapsulates. Therefore, metadata is the most accurate and precise term for the information described in the question.