Conclusion
We have presented a method for estimating the quality (accuracy) of query results derived from underlying base relations in a relational database through a database query. Since the quality of the derived data is a function of the query, the emphasis is on estimating the quality for the output of every operator that could be present in the relational algebra. By postulating the impact on the quality for each operator in theoretical terms, the quality profile of the output can be generated for any arbitrary query comprised of such operators. Some operators increase the degree of potential quality, while others tend to decrease the quality. This analysis, therefore, provides a basis for further research in formulating queries in terms of preferred operators with the objective of attaining the optimized quality profile for a given set of data sources and their corresponding quality profiles.
Clearly, the validity of the computed quality is a function of the validity of the quality figures of the underlying base relations. The latter figures obtained via sampling and other techniques are themselves prone to error. In the absence of more stringent information for each base relation, the data quality profile has been assumed to be uniform; however, the impact of non-uniform accuracy profiles has also been studied. The issue of defining rigorous techniques for estimating the idiosyncrasies of individual data parameters is an area requiring further research.
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(2002). Developing a Data Quality Algebra. In: Data Quality. Advances in Database Systems, vol 23. Springer, Boston, MA. https://doi.org/10.1007/0-306-46987-1_5
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