Hi

There should be clear criteria and strategy for data collection and based on that the data can be validated, checking the data entry and validity is the responsibility of each side, then by double checking based on that criteria.

thanks, Yacoub Abuzied can you please refer to any paper?

Dear Muhammad,

Very interesting question! I think that there are issues that should be addressed before providing a more pointed answer. Your question implicitly assumes that the two countries have the same definitions for the data and that have used the same initial protocol for collecting the data. In general, combining data runs into the problem of homogeneity. It can be tested statistically but requires that the issue of definition, data collection, review, and so on do not go away. Regarding the last part of your question, “the same number of observable variables”, The definitional problem does not go away. Other questions/issues that you might consider:

What is the purpose of your study: in other words, is it an economic study, water quality, … and so on?

Are you developing a descriptive model or a predictive model?

I would consider these issues and several others that someone else may add, before worrying about validity and reliability as such. Also, I would see what the World Bank, the OECD, the Asian Development Bank, the WHO, and other international agencies offer on the question you pose.

I hope this answer helps.