A framework for information quality assessment

One of the main components in information quality (IQ) assurance is an IQ measurement model design and operationalization. One cannot manage IQ without first being able to measure it meaningfully and establishing a causal connection between the source of IQ change, the IQ problem types, the types of activities affected, and their implications. A better understanding is needed of the roots of IQ change through the development of a systematic, predictive, reusable IQ assessment framework. The framework should enable effective IQ reasoning through the disambiguation of IQ problem sources, and through the rapid and inexpensive development of context-specific IQ measurement models. Here we propose a general IQ assessment framework. In contrast to context-specific IQ assessment models, which usually focus on a few variables determined by local needs, our framework consists of comprehensive typologies of IQ problems, related activities, and a taxonomy of IQ dimensions organized in a systematic way based on sound theories and practices. The framework can be used as a knowledge resource and as a guide for developing IQ measurement models for many different settings. The framework was validated and refined by developing specific IQ measurement models for two large-scale collections of two large classes of information objects: Simple Dublin Core records and online encyclopedia articles. Some of the results of the collection-specific operationalization of the framework are reported.

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