What characteristic of data is essential for sound judgment in its collection?

What characteristic of data is essential for sound judgment in its collection?

• A. Timeliness
• B. Cost effectiveness
• C. Sufficient quality
• D. All are correct

Answer: (D)

For sound judgment in data collection, all listed characteristics play crucial roles, making the assertion that each is essential quite valid. Timeliness ensures that the data collected is relevant and applicable to the current context, which is vital for making informed decisions. If the data is outdated, its applicability may diminish significantly, leading to potentially misguided conclusions. Cost effectiveness pertains to the efficiency of resources used in the data collection process. Collecting data that is excessively costly might not be justifiable, especially if it does not yield sufficiently valuable insights relative to the investment made. Therefore, assessing the cost-effectiveness helps ensure that the resources are wisely allocated. Sufficient quality pertains to the accuracy, reliability, and validity of the data being collected. High-quality data is necessary for drawing sound conclusions and making informed decisions. Poor quality data can lead to erroneous interpretations and flawed outcomes, which can have serious implications. In summary, these three characteristics—timeliness, cost effectiveness, and sufficient quality—are interdependent and collectively critical for achieving sound judgment during the data collection process. Therefore, the affirmation that all are correct is appropriate, as each contributes fundamentally to the integrity and utility of the data gathered.

For sound judgment in data collection, all listed characteristics play crucial roles, making the assertion that each is essential quite valid. Timeliness ensures that the data collected is relevant and applicable to the current context, which is vital for making informed decisions. If the data is outdated, its applicability may diminish significantly, leading to potentially misguided conclusions.

Cost effectiveness pertains to the efficiency of resources used in the data collection process. Collecting data that is excessively costly might not be justifiable, especially if it does not yield sufficiently valuable insights relative to the investment made. Therefore, assessing the cost-effectiveness helps ensure that the resources are wisely allocated.

Sufficient quality pertains to the accuracy, reliability, and validity of the data being collected. High-quality data is necessary for drawing sound conclusions and making informed decisions. Poor quality data can lead to erroneous interpretations and flawed outcomes, which can have serious implications.

In summary, these three characteristics—timeliness, cost effectiveness, and sufficient quality—are interdependent and collectively critical for achieving sound judgment during the data collection process. Therefore, the affirmation that all are correct is appropriate, as each contributes fundamentally to the integrity and utility of the data gathered.