Revisions Policy for Official Statistics: A Matter of Governance

Author/Editor:

Carol S Carson ; Sarmad Khawaja ; Thomas K. Morrison

Publication Date:

May 1, 2004

Electronic Access:

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Disclaimer: This Working Paper should not be reported as representing the views of the IMF.The views expressed in this Working Paper are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily represent those of the IMF or IMF policy. Working Papers describe research in progress by the author(s) and are published to elicit comments and to further debate

Summary:

This paper proposes a set of good practices for the revision of macroeconomic data. The authors argue that revisions are a routine part of disseminating quality data. Revisions are made not just to correct errors but also to incorporate better source data, update base periods, and make other improvements. It is argued, using country examples and views from policymakers and other users, that national statistical agencies should have explicit revisions policies.

Series:

Working Paper No. 2004/087

Subject:

Balance of payments statistics Data Quality Assessment Framework (DQAF) Government finance statistics Labor National accounts

English

Publication Date:

May 1, 2004

ISBN/ISSN:

9781451851052/1018-5941

Stock No:

WPIEA0872004

Pages:

33

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