Quality assurance is a _____ function while quality control is an _____ function.
A. detailed, overview
B. passive, active
C. corrective, review
D. corrective, overview
Frequently quality assurance and quality control are lumped together into one function. There is a difference, however. Quality assurance is conducted in a passive manner with review and oversight of the incoming data. On the other hand, quality control is an active process of correcting deficiencies or preventing problems from occurring.
Label each of the following as either quality assurance or quality control.
A. Providing instruction on reading a river gauge. QC
B. Checking punch tape submissions from cooperative
observers. QA
C. Reviewing SAWRS observation forms. QA
D. Outlining how to complete a form to an observer. QC
Recall the active versus passive difference between quality assurance (QA) and quality control (QC). Checking and reviewin are QA functions. Outlining and providing instruction are QC functions.
It is important to consider how non-NWS customers use NWS observational data prior to establishing a QA/QC program.
A. True
B. False
This is true. However, a QA/QC program must satisfy your needs as well. External customer needs should also be taken into consideration but are secondary to your requirements.
Poor quality, corrupted, or erroneous data could:
A. Lead to incorrect statements or warnings.
B. Provide misleading forecast guidance.
C. Reflect poorly on the credibility ability of NWS data.
D. All of the above.
All of the factors listed are correct. Poor data can have extensive and deep impacts on how the National Weather Service and our external customers do business.
Who defines quality criteria for data sets?
A. National Weather Service Headquarters
B. Data users
C. The data provider
D. Office of the Federal Coordinator for Meteorology
Even though, from a policy perspective, NWS headquarters or even the OFCM might define quality criteria, the criteria themselves must be based on how the data are used both internally and externally.
Only the needs of the users should be taken into consideration when developing data quality standards.
A. True
B. False
As stated in Question 3, first and foremost, a QA/QC program must satisfy your needs. The needs of the data users should be taken into account, but your needs come first.
Accurate data must:
A. Be as precise as possible.
B. Be independent of equipment considerations.
C. Be received within 12 hours of its observing time.
D. Possess a high degree of
dependability and consistency.
Accuracy extends beyond precision and is a function of the equipment you use. In all cases, data be dependable, consistent, and timely.
The old adage, "An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure" applies to data quality control.
A. True
B. False
It is very important to stop problems before they start. This is part of a good quality control program. As a result, this old adage has definite application to any quality control effort.