Question

Why is it important to always know the quality of the data you are using for your research? Please include references in the answer. Thank you.

Answer 1

There is a proverb that 'garbage in-garbage out'. This means the quality of output of a research cannot be any better than the data used in the research. If a research is based on faulty or inaccurate data, the outcome of the report too will be faulty and incomplete. In a research, we collect data, analyze the data using certain tools and then present the findings. Therefore, the findings are completely dependent on the quality of the data. When data is accurate and complete, the research outcome will be closer to reality and the predictions will be effective. On the other hand, faulty data would lead to faulty predictions.

Reference: 10 aspects of highly effective research data. (2018). Retrieved from https://www.elsevier.com/connect/10-aspects-of-highly-effective-research-data