If a briefing includes two data sources with conflicting results, what is the best next step?

• A. Investigate discrepancies, review methodologies, check biases, and seek corroborating data.
• B. Present one source as truth and ignore the other.
• C. Ask the audience to decide which source to trust.
• D. Delete both sources and present a guess.

Answer: (D)

When two data sources conflict in a briefing, the priority is to resolve the mismatch through careful examination of how the data was collected and analyzed. The best next step is to investigate discrepancies, review methodologies, check biases, and seek corroborating data. This means comparing what each source is measuring, the time frames, definitions, units, and sampling methods; identifying any biases or limitations; and performing triangulation or seeking an additional data point to see where the agreement lies. Documenting uncertainties and adjusting conclusions accordingly helps maintain credibility and transparency with the audience.

Choosing a single source as truth, asking the audience to decide which to trust, or deleting sources and guessing would mislead stakeholders and damage trust, so those approaches are avoided in favor of a thorough, evidence-based reconciliation.