What is the difference between accuracy vs. consistency?
Accurate coding means that the code chosen for a reported term fully and correctly represents the meaning contained with that reported term. Consistent coding means that similar reported terms are all coded the same way. It is possible to be accurate without being consistent (each reported term appears to be coded correctly when viewed by itself, but when grouped with like reported terms the coding differs among the like terms). Likewise, it is possible to be consistent in coding but be inaccurate (like terms are all coded to the same dictionary entry, but the chosen dictionary entry is not the best possible choice). Accuracy without Consistency For example, the following two similar reported terms may appear to be coded accurately when viewed individually. When viewed together, however, it becomes clear that they have not been coded consistently.
