Coherence of statistics is their adequacy to be reliably combined in different ways and for various uses. The coherence of statistical information reflects the degree to which it can be successfully brought together with other statistical information within a broad analytic framework and over time.
The use of standard concepts, classifications and target populations promotes coherence, as does the use of a common methodology across surveys. Coherence does not necessarily imply full numerical consistency. Coherence reflects the degree to which the data and information from a single statistical programme are brought together with other data and information, and how they are logically connected and completed. Fully coherent data are consistent internally, over time and across products and programmes. Where applicable, the concepts and target populations used or presented are logically distinguished from similar concepts and target populations or from commonly used notions and terminology.