What is Coherence of Statistics

Quality was defined in the ISO (International Organization for Standardization) 8402-1986 standard as “the totality of features and characteristics of a product or service that bear on its ability to satisfy stated or implied needs,” which slightly changed in ISO updates. However, regarding quality in statistics, “stated or implied needs” are mainly identified by considering several quality dimensions, criteria, or components for the collection, processing, and dissemination of statistical information for the public (see, for example, Eurostat, 2002a, 2002b; Office of Management and Budget [OMB], 2002; Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development [OECD], 2003; Statistics Canada, 2003; Statistics Finland, 2002).