mixed sources
An array of totally different sources which contribute inseparably to a single entered value.
Data coming from mixed sources indicates that two different types of source are needed to put together one fact. For example, if a newspaper indicates that a building has 100 units in the east wing, and the building's website indicates 100 units in the west wing, the value of 200 comes from two very different types of source.
This does not apply to data which is available in multiple sources. When that occurs, the more reliable source (generally the one closer to the data) should be used.
The sources contribute different parts needed to derive the one entered fact. Independent sources repeating the same complete value do not meet this mixed-source condition; the more reliable reference is used in that case.
Related definitions
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data dump
A collection taken from a reputable data provider that does not preserve the original sources of its individual values. -
email
Conveyance of data or information through email or electronic messaging of any kind. -
word of mouth
Data received in spoken or written form, whose origin has not been traced further back than the person relaying it.