RMRS Data Archive

Frequently Asked Questions

Data Quality Questions

1. Has this data undergone Quality Assurance and Quality Control checks?
2. What is quality assurance?
3. What is quality control?
   

1. Has this data undergone Quality Assurance and Quality Control checks?
All data on this website should have undergone quality assurance and quality control checks by the researcher submitting the data. Every dataset comes with a corresponding metadata (data documentation) file. This file will describe any quality assurance and quality control checks the data have undergone. If for some reason the data have not undergone such checks it will be clearly noted in this metadata file.

2. What is quality assurance?
As defined in the RMRS Quality Assurance Plan it is the process to produce research data and results with known precision, completeness, representativeness, comparability, and where appropriate, accuracy. QA encompasses the planning, design, implementation, analysis, and reporting of data.

3. What is quality control?
As defined in the RMRS Quality Assurance Plan it is the routine application of prescribed field or laboratory procedures (e.g., periodic calibration, instrument maintenance) to reduce random and systematic errors and to ensure that data are anaylzed , interpreted, synthesized, communicated, and used with known and acceptable performance limits. QC also involves use of qualified personnel, appropriate laboratory practices, and adherence to recommended operating procedures.

USDA Forest Service - RMRS - Statistics Unit
Last Modified: Friday, 01 June 2007 at 14:57:23 EDT