A Conceptual Framework and Belief-Function Approach to Assessing Overall Information Quality

Abstract

We develop an information quality model based on a user-centric view adapted from Financial Accounting Standards Board1, Wang et al.2, and Wang and Strong3. The model consists of four essential attributes (or assertions): ‘Accessibility,’ ‘Interpretability,’ ‘Relevance,’ and ‘Integrity.’ Four sub-attributes lead to an evaluation of Integrity: ‘Accuracy,’ ‘Completeness,’ ‘Consistency,’ and ‘Existence.’ These sub-attributes relating to 'Integrity' are intrinsic in nature and relate to the process of how the information was created while the first three attributes: ‘Accessibility,’ ‘Interpretability,’ and ‘Relevance’ are extrinsic in nature. We present our model as an evidential network under the belief-function framework to permit user assessment of quality parameters. Two algorithms for combining assessments into an overall IQ measure are explored, and examples in the domain of medical information are used to illustrate key concepts. We discuss two scenarios, ‘online-user’ and ‘assurance-provider,’ which reflect two likely and important aspects of IQ evaluation currently facing information users – concerns about the impact of poor quality online information, and the need for information quality assurance.