Data Accuracy

 

Accuracy is the extent to which data is free from errors. Data is not always error free. This is for a number of reasons. Errors may happen when it is first gathered. Errors can happen when it is entered or it may be corrupted by problems within the information system. It is often necessary to compare data from a variety of sources to check for errors.

 

Data Accuracy refers to the accuracy or correctness of the stored data. The data source itself may not have been reliable (refer to page on reliability) for any number of reasons and that means that the information gleaned from that data source is also incorrect or during data entry the wrong address was typed in or the customer has changed their address and the database has not been updated.

 

Unfortunately there can be serious consequences to incorrect data.

 

Examples:

 

People have mistakenly been given bad credit ratings because another person has the same name and therefore missed out on housing loans. They then need to find out why they have not been given the loan and why there credit rating is bad and then try to prove that a mistake has been made. This is all very difficult to do. Identity Theft: Where a person steals another persons identity. Critical information not being passed on Wrong decisions being made because the original data was incorrect. This may have very serious consequences where peoples lives are in danger.