The Total Data Quality Framework (Coursera)

The Total Data Quality Framework (Coursera)

By the end of this first course in the Total Data Quality specialization, learners will be able to: identify the essential differences between designed and gathered data and summarize the key dimensions of the Total Data Quality (TDQ) Framework; define the three measurement dimensions of the Total Data Quality framework, and describe potential threats to data quality along each of these dimensions for both gathered and designed data; define the three representation dimensions of the Total Data Quality framework, and describe potential threats to data quality along each of these dimensions for both gathered and designed data; and ; describe why data analysis defines an important dimension of the Total Data Quality framework, and summarize potential threats to the overall quality of an analysis plan for designed and/or gathered data.

Class Deals by MOOC List - Click here and see Coursera's Active Discounts, Deals, and Promo Codes.

Course 1 of 3 in the Total Data Quality Specialization.
This specialization as a whole aims to explore the Total Data Quality framework in depth and provide learners with more information about the detailed evaluation of total data quality that needs to happen prior to data analysis. The goal is for learners to incorporate evaluations of data quality into their process as a critical component for all projects. We sincerely hope to disseminate knowledge about total data quality to all learners, such as data scientists and quantitative analysts, who have not had sufficient training in the initial steps of the data science process that focus on data collection and evaluation of data quality. We feel that extensive knowledge of data science techniques and statistical analysis procedures will not help a quantitative research study if the data collected/gathered are not of sufficiently high quality.
This specialization will focus on the essential first steps in any type of scientific investigation using data: either generating or gathering data, understanding where the data come from, evaluating the quality of the data, and taking steps to maximize the quality of the data prior to performing any kind of statistical analysis or applying data science techniques to answer research questions. Given this focus, there will be little material on the analysis of data, which is covered in myriad existing Coursera specializations. The primary focus of this specialization will be on understanding and maximizing data quality prior to analysis.

Syllabus

WEEK 1
Introduction, Different Types of Data and the Total Data Quality Framework
Welcome to the Total Data Quality Framework Course! This is the first course in the Total Data Quality Specialization. This week, you’ll get to know your instructors after reviewing the course syllabus and the learning goals. We will then introduce you to the basic components of the Total Data Quality (TDQ) Framework through a series of video lectures, including Designed Data, Gathered Data, and Hybrid Data. Next, we’ll provide a high-level overview of the TDQ Framework and incorporate the perspectives of global TDQ experts in both a lecture and an interview. We’ll then wrap up the week with a short quiz about measurement and representation concepts.

WEEK 2
Measurement Dimensions of Total Data Quality: Validity, Data Origin, and Data Processing
In Week 2, we’ll explore the concepts of validity, data origin, and data processing. First, we’ll define validity and discuss threats to validity for designed data and gathered data. We’ll also explore validity through an interview, a real-world application, and a case study. After taking a short quiz to test your knowledge of validity, you’ll then move to the data origin module. We’ll define data processing and explore data origin threats for designed and gathered data through a series of video lectures and case studies. The data processing module will conclude with a short quiz. Week 2 will conclude with an exploration of data processing; data processing threats for designed and gathered data; case studies; and a quiz to check your understanding of data processing.

WEEK 3
Representation Dimensions of Total Data Quality: Data Access, Data Source, and Data Missingness
This week, we’ll be exploring three representation dimensions of the TDQ framework along with potential threats to data quality. First, we’ll define and discuss data access - as well as data access threats for gathered and designed data - through a series of video lectures, readings, and case studies. After you complete a quiz on data access, we’ll then define data sources and explore data threats for designed and gathered data, along with two case studies. Lastly, we’ll define data missingness along with data missingness threats for designed and gathered data, and then conclude the week with a quiz.

WEEK 4
Data Analysis as an Important Aspect of TDQ
We’ll be wrapping up the Total Data Quality Framework course this week. We’ll be discussing why data analysis is a critical dimension of the TDQ framework and threats to data analysis quality for designed and gathered data. You’ll also be reviewing several case studies and will be able to complete an optional tutorial using free R software. After a short quiz on data analysis threats, we’ll conclude the course with a list of references from across Course 1 and we’ll ask you to complete a course survey.

Go to Class
MOOC List is learner-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.

Related Courses

Construção de Relacionamentos em Vendas Orientada a Dados (Coursera) Coursera
FIA Business School

Construção de Relacionamentos em Vendas Orientada a Dados (Coursera)

Nossas boas-vindas ao Curso Construção de Relacionamento em Vendas Orientada a Dados. Neste curso, você aprenderá métodos sobre data analytics para o ambiente dos profissionais de vendas. Ao final deste curso, você será capaz de avaliar relacionamentos entre o desempenho de vendas e os gastos relacionados; agrupar por semelhança itens, produtos ou serviços e, por fim, realizar recomendações de produtos para clientes sob características preestabelecidas.

Sep 28th 2026
4 Weeks
Population Health: Responsible Data Analysis (Coursera) Coursera
Leiden University

Population Health: Responsible Data Analysis (Coursera)

In most areas of health, data is being used to make important decisions. As a health population manager, you will have the opportunity to use data to answer interesting questions. In this course, we will discuss data analysis from a responsible perspective, which will help you to extract useful information from data and enlarge your knowledge about specific aspects of interest of the population.

Oct 5th 2026
4 Weeks
Network Analysis in Systems Biology (Coursera) Coursera
Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai

Network Analysis in Systems Biology (Coursera)

An introduction to data integration and statistical methods used in contemporary Systems Biology, Bioinformatics and Systems Pharmacology research. The course covers methods to process raw data from genome-wide mRNA expression studies (microarrays and RNA-seq) including data normalization, differential expression, clustering, enrichment analysis and network construction. The course contains practical tutorials for using tools and setting up pipelines, but it also covers the mathematics behind the methods applied within the tools.

Sep 28th 2026
5-12 Weeks
Healthcare Information Design and Visualizations (Coursera) Coursera
Northeastern University

Healthcare Information Design and Visualizations (Coursera)

Introduces processes and design principles for creating meaningful displays of information that support effective business decision-making. Studies how to collect and process data; create visualizations (both static and interactive); and use them to provide insight into a problem, situation, or opportunity. Introduces methods to critique visualizations along with ways to answer the elusive question: “What makes a visualization effective?”

Oct 5th 2026
4 Weeks
Data intelligence for businesses and managers (Coursera) Coursera
Institut Mines-Telecom

Data intelligence for businesses and managers (Coursera)

With the proliferation of connected objects (computers, tablets, watches, etc.), huge masses of data are generated every second. This Big Data has led to the emergence of a data economy, where data is the main source of competitive advantage for companies. In this sense, data and its processing tools have become a strategic priority for companies, and the main gas pedal of their digital transformation.

Oct 5th 2026
5-12 Weeks
Principles of fMRI 2 (Coursera) Coursera
Johns Hopkins University,University of Colorado Boulder

Principles of fMRI 2 (Coursera)

Functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging (fMRI) is the most widely used technique for investigating the living, functioning human brain as people perform tasks and experience mental states. It is a convergence point for multidisciplinary work from many disciplines. Psychologists, statisticians, physicists, computer scientists, neuroscientists, medical researchers, behavioral scientists, engineers, public health researchers, biologists, and others are coming together to advance our understanding of the human mind and brain. This course covers the analysis of Functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging (fMRI) data.

Sep 21st 2026
4 Weeks
Bioinformatic Methods I (Coursera) Coursera
University of Toronto

Bioinformatic Methods I (Coursera)

Large-scale biology projects such as the sequencing of the human genome and gene expression surveys using RNA-seq, microarrays and other technologies have created a wealth of data for biologists. However, the challenge facing scientists is analyzing and even accessing these data to extract useful information pertaining to the system being studied. This course focuses on employing existing bioinformatic resources – mainly web-based programs and databases – to access the wealth of data to answer questions relevant to the average biologist, and is highly hands-on.

Sep 21st 2026
5-12 Weeks