How will you know if the data is reliable?
Data must be consistent over time and across different contexts to be reliable. Inconsistent data can arise due to changes in measurement techniques, definitions or the systems used to collect data. Human error is always a potential source of unreliability. How do they relate? A reliable measurement is not always valid: the results might be reproducible, but they’re not necessarily correct. A valid measurement is generally reliable: if a test produces accurate results, they should be reproducible.Peer-reviewed studies are often considered more reliable because they have undergone rigorous evaluation by experts in the field before publication. Different types of evidence, such as quantitative data, qualitative observations, and expert testimonies, can contribute to establishing reliability when used together.