Association of Clinical Research Professionals (ACRP) Certified Professional Practice Exam

What does the term "data completeness" refer to in clinical research?

1. The absence of missing data

2. The presence of comprehensive datasets

3. The accuracy of data entries

4. The length of the data collection period

The correct answer is: The absence of missing data

The term "data completeness" in clinical research specifically refers to the absence of missing data within a dataset. When data is complete, all required information has been collected and recorded accurately, ensuring that each variable is accounted for across all subjects involved in the study. This is crucial in clinical research because missing data can lead to biased results, complicate analysis, and undermine the validity of the research findings. While having comprehensive datasets may seem related, it does not specifically capture the concept of "completeness" since comprehensiveness could imply other factors, like depth or breadth of data collected, rather than its availability. The accuracy of data entries relates more to how correctly the data has been recorded rather than its completeness. Lastly, the length of the data collection period pertains to the timeframe during which data is gathered, which is separate from the concept of completeness itself. Therefore, the definition applicable in the context of "data completeness" aligns precisely with the idea that it indicates there are no missing elements in the dataset.