The entire internet, and indeed, the modern world, runs on data, lines of code, and information, as we amass more and more of it, piling up in cyberspace. It stands to reason, then, that when working with it or conducting research with it, the entire operation should run as smoothly and flawlessly as possible, because the smallest error, glitch, or mishap can completely destroy everything you have worked so hard on for so long. With this in mind, allow us to give you a few things you should pay extra attention to when working with data. Read the article below to learn some important steps.

Quality of the Data

Your resources are finite and precious, not least effort and time, so it is vitally important that all the data you are working with is of the highest quality possible. You are devoting your precious time and energy to analysis or research, and you want to maximize that investment. Start by eliminating all the low-quality data and low-quality participants from your research, so they will not negatively affect your results. One quite dangerous candidate is called Lookahead Bias, and you should get yourself acquainted with it as much as possible so you know exactly what to look out for. You really do not want all your hard work to have been for nothing, so take every precaution and double-check everything. The quality of your data directly impacts the quality of your research, and that will in turn affect what you will be able to learn from it.

Who Collected the Data?

Knowing who originated or collected the data you are using can bring quite a bit of comfort, never mind being able to precisely cite the source when needed. This “who” factor also impacts the data’s reliability and whether or not you opt to utilize or trust it in the end. Data that is from professional organizations, well-known brands, or government organizations will always carry a trustworthiness that is not commonly associated with data that is gathered from less credible sources, such as personal blogs or websites.

What Is the Data’s Purpose or Goal?

Before deciding whether to use the data or not, it is important to gauge its objectivity and intent. Could the data be potentially biased? Is there an agenda being pushed here? Consider these factors, especially if your data comes from commercial businesses or political parties that may be posting information online that benefits them in some way or represents and furthers their interests. This could end up compromising your research.

When Was the Data Collected?

Think of the adage about the right time and the right place. When looking for data on the most recent trends in a specific industry, it makes little sense to rely on research that is more than a half-decade old. This is still true even if the data comes from the most reputable sources. So remember to always check the date, so you possess only the most accurate and relevant information that is available.

How Was It Collected?

You should be aware of the methodology. A healthy skepticism of data and research is very important, so do not be afraid to compare and contrast your information with other research, looking for any inconsistencies. See if there are any explanations as to how the collection process explains or potentially damages a source’s credibility. If you know how the data was collected, then you will also be able to tell which methods were used.

Consistency

This goes back again to the methodology aspect of data research, where it is important to compare and contrast your findings with other information and look for inconsistencies. Sometimes it’s just a matter of different methodologies, but other times there could be a more sinister reason why things aren’t matching up right. Data is useless if it is not correct, so take your time and check whether the source is reliable with all your other data, so you can trust the data that is being provided.

Working with data can quickly become overwhelming, especially if you do not know what you are doing, so knowing exactly what to look out for, what to avoid, and so on, is important. The skill ceiling is incredibly high, and in today’s day and age, the competition is quite vast. Use each opportunity to advance your knowledge of cyberspace and all its complex workings. We hope this article will be of great help to you in making your data research more efficient and, above all, secure.