Some Evidence on the Detection of Data Errors

Abstract

Data stored in organizational databases have a significant error rate. As computerized databases continue to proliferate, the number of errors in stored data and the organizational impact of these errors are likely to increase. The impact of data errors on business processes and decision making can be lessened if users of information systems are able and willing to detect and correct data errors. However, some published research suggests that users of information systems do not detect data errors. This paper reports the results of a study showing that municipal bond analysts detect data errors. The results provide insight into the conditions under which users in organizational settings detect data errors. Guidelines for improving error detection are also discussed.