Quality of information
Quality of information can be determined by several attributes[1]:
- relativity - the information responds to the needs and is important for the recipient,
- accuracy - information is adequate to the level of knowledge represented by the recipient, accurately and accurately reflects and determines the topic,
- timeliness - the information is not out of date, the update cycle is consistent with the contents of the content, the rate of change, the entry of subsequent versions is natural, is applied until the time
- completeness - the information contains the optimal number of data, which is enough to be able to process information into specific knowledge, the level of detail depends on the needs of the recipient,
- consistency - individual elements, data are in harmony with each other, the form corresponds to the content, the data update is consistent with the objectives,
- appropriateness - appropriate presentation of information and presentation description allowing correct interpretation,
- availability - information is available when it is needed by the right recipients, preferably 24h,
- credibility - the information confirms the truth of the data, contains elements that ensure the reliability of the message,
- consistency - information is consistent with other information, interpreted in the proper context, functioning in a familiar communication system.
Relationship between the quality and reliability of information
The quality of information and credibility are closely related. Quality aspects of information are not necessarily consistent, so you may need to support the assessment of information quality by evaluating the reliability of information. Some information may seem up-to date but inaccurate as well as accurate but useless. Therefore, credibility is a basic element of information that is reflected in the authenticity and its elements are true. The ability to assess the reliability and quality of information is one of the basic features. Usability, specificity and correctness are most the commonly used criteria in assessing the quality of information. On the order hand, knowledge and reputation are the main criteria in assessing credibility. The credibility of information is closely related to the possibility of its verification and evaluation of its sources or the faithful representation of the features of objects, processes or phenomena[2].
Quality of information and decision making
The quality and quantity of information are important factors influencing the effectiveness in making decisions. In the decision-making process, information indicates both the decision problem and help solve it. Decisions transform information into action instructions in a given situation, taking into account the purpose of the action and the selection criteria. The definition of information is also knowledge oriented towards the decision-making objective, which means that the value of information is mainly generated by the degree of goal realization. The most important attribute of information is its significance, which means matching information to solve specific decision problems. According to this attribute, it is required that the information be usefully linked to activities that are to produce specific results. The importance of information in the decision process is primarily influenced by the strength of the relationship: information need - decision/effect. The quality of information helps to assess the product's characteristics, as well as to choose the one that will be more attractive and meet its expectations. Accurate information on product evaluation leads to greater consumer satisfaction and an increase in the quality of decisions made by them[3].
| Quality of information — recommended articles |
| Information needs — Quality parameters — RATER model — Types of indicators — Process performance — Customer requirements — Analysis of preferences — Information theory — Descriptive model |
References
- Lee, Y. W., Strong, D. M., Kahn, B. K., & Wang, R. Y. (2002). AIMQ: a methodology for information quality assessment. Information & management, 40(2), 133-146.
- Savolainen, R. (2011). Judging the quality and credibility of information in internet discussion forums. Journal of the American Society for Information Science and Technology, 62.
- Gao, J., Zhang, Ch., Wang, K., Ba, S. (2012). Understanding online purchase decision making: The effects of unconscious thought, information quality, and information quantity. Decision Support Systems 53, 772-781.
Footnotes
Author: Magdalena Stanaszek
