Indicator “Unexpected data element count”
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Definition
The observed number of data elements does not match the expected number
Explanation
Prior to most data quality assessments the number of expected data elements is defined. This indicator targets discrepancies between the encountered and expected number of data elements. Discrepancies may indicate an erroneous data upload but also errors in the provided files or tables.
Example
A study data frame with 47 study variables is expected according to the provided metadata file. Yet, the study data set only comprises 40 out of the 47 specified variables. This discrepancy is targeted by the indicator “Unexpected data elements” within the dimension “Structural data set error”.
Guidance
If required data elements are absent, data quality assessments will be incomplete with regards to these data elements but findings for other data elements commonly remain valid.
Any deficit encountered here should be remedied by updating the affected data sets to represent the correct selection of data elements. Afterwards the data quality reporting processes should be repeated.
Interpretation
The higher the discrepancy the lower the data quality.
