What's better invalid data or missing data?

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Danny Roden
Danny Roden Administrator
edited December 2023 in General

A discussion that seems to come up from time-to-time is, whether it is better to have gaps in your data or to have it complete but containing poor quality/invalid data.

Keen to get everyone's thoughts on this topic. What's more important to you: accuracy or completeness? 

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  • Nigel Light
    Nigel Light Contributor
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    I would go for the gaps every time (as long as you know what those gaps are). At least you are informed, poor quality/invalid data can just lead to wrong decisions. 

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  • Danny Roden
    Danny Roden Administrator
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    I think I'd tend to agree. The only challenge would be when the information could be useful for other purposes (e.g. invalid emails/postcodes that are associated with fraudulent behaviour - however in that situation it would probably be best pulling that out into a separate location/list?

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