Certified Quality Auditor (CQA) Prasctice Exam

Which data type is most likely to be considered reliable?

1. Data from an outside source

2. Data from the audited area

3. Attributes data

4. Corroborated data

The correct answer is: Corroborated data

Corroborated data is considered the most reliable because it is supported or confirmed by multiple sources or methods. When data is corroborated, it means that different pieces of evidence converge to support the same conclusion. This triangulation enhances the credibility of the data, as reliability increases when findings can be verified through different means. In auditing and quality control contexts, corroborated data helps eliminate personal biases and errors that might occur with single-source information. It ensures that the data can be trusted to accurately reflect the reality of the situation being examined, especially when evaluating processes or products for quality assurance. Other types of data, such as data from an outside source or the audited area, while potentially useful, do not have the same level of assurance. These sources may be influenced by contextual factors or lack adequate verification, leading to potential inaccuracies. Attributes data, while valuable for specific analyses, may not carry the same weight in terms of overall reliability compared to corroborated data in a quality audit context.