Applied information quality: a framework for thinking about the quality of specific information

Area of Science:

• Information Science
• Knowledge Management
• Information Quality Studies

Background:

• Assessing information quality is complex, involving more than abstract ideals like accuracy and timeliness.
• Applied information quality is defined as a judgment influenced by the individual, the context of use, and the information's characteristics.

Purpose of the Study:

• To define and explore the multifaceted nature of applied information quality judgments.
• To analyze the key elements influencing information quality assessments in specific use cases.
• To identify strategies for enhancing the process of judging information quality.

Main Methods:

• Conceptual analysis of applied information quality.
• Definition of applied information quality based on three core elements: the judge, the context, and the information characteristics.
• Framework for evaluating information characteristics through six metaquestions.

Main Results:

• Applied information quality is a subjective judgment influenced by personal, situational, and informational factors.
• Information characteristics are crucial for quality assessment and can be systematically evaluated.
• Improving information quality judgments requires a multi-pronged approach.

Conclusions:

• Individuals are ultimately responsible for applied information quality judgments.
• Enhancing information quality involves improving the information itself, its delivery, and the user's evaluative capacity.
• Support for users in making informed information quality judgments is essential for professional practice.