What are key characteristics of data?

The key characteristics of data include accuracy, completeness, and consistency, which are essential for ensuring that data can be trusted and effectively utilized for decision-making processes.

Accuracy refers to the correctness of the data. When data is accurate, it truly reflects the real-world conditions or values it is supposed to represent. This characteristic is vital because incorrect data can lead to erroneous conclusions, ultimately affecting business operations and strategies.

Completeness indicates that all required data is present. A complete dataset provides a full picture and allows for comprehensive analysis. If data is incomplete, important aspects may be missing, which can skew results and hinder effective decision-making.

Consistency means that the data is reliable and maintains its integrity across different databases and over time. Consistent data does not show conflicting information in different places, which is crucial for maintaining trust and ensuring that decisions are based on information that is dependable.

These characteristics are foundational for effective data management and analytics, making the correct answer fundamental to understanding how to evaluate the quality of data within an organization.