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Reporting Data Quality

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Epidemiology: Principles and Practical Guidelines

Abstract

This chapter offers practical advice for investigators on how to report the quality of their own data in scientific papers. The proposed guidelines are based on an analysis of the concept of aggregate data quality. We first clarify the multidimensional concept of aggregate data quality and then proceed by deriving principles and practical recommendations for reporting data quality. When describing data quality, one may need to consider study-specific and variable-specific factors that influence data quality requirements. In this chapter we argue that reporting on data quality should be more comprehensive than currently accepted practices. Among the array of useful data quality parameters, we selected digit preference and intra- and inter-observer reliability statistics for more in depth discussion. Finally, we discuss the quality of laboratory data, an issue that deserves separate reporting.

It is the mark of an instructed mind to rest assured with that degree of precision that the nature of the subject admits.

Aristotle

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Correspondence to Jonathan R. Brestoff MPH. .

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Brestoff, J.R., Van den Broeck, J. (2013). Reporting Data Quality. In: Van den Broeck, J., Brestoff, J. (eds) Epidemiology: Principles and Practical Guidelines. Springer, Dordrecht. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-94-007-5989-3_29

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-94-007-5989-3_29

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  • Publisher Name: Springer, Dordrecht

  • Print ISBN: 978-94-007-5988-6

  • Online ISBN: 978-94-007-5989-3

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