3.1 Can I use this data in my work?

If we can't be sure that the data we have is what we think it is, we cannot use it as part of our work. Using data that comes from an unknown source, or which we have to guess about column headings, may mean that the data is not correct and neither is the story.

The process of data verification is the same as that for any source in journalism, and we need to ask ourselves important questions before we accept it:

• Where did it come from?

• Who shared it, and did htey have an ulterior motive?

• Can I be sure that the data is accurate?

There are some further issues to think about regarding data. For example:

• How was the data gathered?

• Does it show what I think it shows?

• Is it recent and up-to-date.

Verifying data means you can have confidence in your insights!