Assessing Data Reliability in an Information System.

Author List: Agmon, Nachman; Ahituv, Niv;
Journal of Management Information Systems, 1987, Volume 4, Issue 2, Page 34-44.
Information is valuable if it derives from reliable data. However, measurements for data reliability have not been widely established in the area of information systems (IS). This paper attempts to draw some concepts of reliability from the field of quality control and to apply them to IS. The paper develops three measurements for data reliability: internal reliability--reflects the "commonly accepted" characteristics of various data items; relative reliability--indicates compliance of data to user requirements; and absolute reliability--determines the level of resemblance of data items to reality. The relationships between the three measurements are discussed, and the results of a field study are displayed and analyzed. The results provide some insightful information on the "shape" of the database that was inspected, as well as on the degree of rationality of some user requirements. General conclusions and avenues for future research are suggested.
Keywords: Data reliability; data validity.; quality control of information systems
Algorithm:

List of Topics

#124 0.370 validity reliability measure constructs construct study research measures used scale development nomological scales instrument measurement researchers developed validation discriminant results
#126 0.161 data database administration important dictionary organizations activities record increasingly method collection records considered perturbation requirements special level efforts administrators analyzed
#276 0.158 satisfaction information systems study characteristics data results using user related field survey empirical quality hypotheses important success various indicate tested
#225 0.123 information environment provide analysis paper overall better relationships outcomes increasingly useful valuable available increasing greater regarding levels decisions viewed relative
#115 0.054 quality different servqual service high-quality difference used quantity importance use measure framework impact assurance better include means van dimensions assessing
#280 0.052 control controls formal systems mechanisms modes clan informal used internal literature outsourced outcome theory configuration attempts evolution authority complementary little