Which characteristic of quality data refers to its applicability to the decision at hand?

The characteristic of quality data that refers to its applicability to the decision at hand is relevance. Relevance ensures that the data being considered is directly related to the specific issue or question being addressed. When data is relevant, it provides valuable insights and supports informed decision-making. This means that the information can be effectively used to draw conclusions or guide actions that are meaningful in the context of the decision at hand.

For instance, when making business decisions, having relevant data about market trends, customer preferences, or sales figures allows decision-makers to formulate strategies that are aligned with their goals. If data does not have relevance, even if it is accurate or timely, it may not contribute effectively to the decision-making process.

Understanding this characteristic is important because it highlights the need for data to not only be accurate or timely, but also closely tied to the specific situation or challenge being evaluated.