User Perceptions of Data Quality: Internet and Traditional Text Sources

Abstract

Information retrieved from the Internet may have more severe information quality problems than information found in more traditional text sources of information such as books, journals, magazines, and newspapers. While anecdotal evidence of problems with the quality of information available through the Internet is available, little empirical research on the topic has been done. This study examines user perceptions of the quality of information found on the Internet and in traditional text sources using an instrument that builds on prior research identifying fifteen dimensions of data quality. Users rated the timeliness and amount of information of Internet sources higher than traditional text sources and rated the accuracy, objectivity, reputation, and representational consistency of traditional text sources higher than Internet sources. The results suggest that at least some users are aware of the relative strengths and weaknesses of information published on the Internet and information published in traditional text sources.