How do you validate directly submitted data?

by Baerbel Eckelmann

Once we have received the data from the institution, either via QS Core system or email, we start the validation process. This means that a member of the QS Intelligence Unit is looking at every single figure submitted by the institution for a particular statistic. The first step in this process is to compare the latest submission against historical records, the university’s website, specialised statistical agencies or other government body websites. In case of the latest submission being significantly higher or lower than previous records we investigate further and seek clarification from the university’s primary research contact. Upon receiving these additional submission notes we conclude on either acceptance or rejection of the data. Occasionally we overwrite direct submissions but such action is documented under ‘validation notes’.