Final answer:
Data that is true to the source and has not been altered or destroyed defines data integrity, which ensures the information is accurate and trustworthy. Facts are supported by compelling evidence and data. Reliability and validity are attributes that describe the trustworthiness and accuracy of measurements respectively.
Step-by-step explanation:
Data that are true to the source and have not been altered or destroyed is the definition for integrity. This attribute ensures that data is an accurate reflection of the source it came from and that it has not been tampered with or lost. Data integrity is crucial in maintaining trust in the information's validity, particularly in environments such as databases, data storage, and information security.
When evaluating information, typically:
- Something I believe to be true may not always be reliable as beliefs can be subjective.
- Something that an authority says is true often carries weight but still requires critical evaluation.
- Something that can be verified by compelling evidence is closer to a fact, as facts are supported by evidence and data.
- Something that appears on a website that I trust still necessitates scrutiny, as even trustworthy websites can contain errors.
A fact is information that is true and can be verified as correct or accurate, like the career accomplishments of Charles Blow.
With regards to measurements, they are considered:
- Reliable if they can produce the same results under consistent conditions.
- Valid if they are measuring what they are supposed to measure.