What is an important step after identifying duplicates in a dataset?

After identifying duplicates in a dataset, conducting manual inspection to verify duplicates is crucial. This step ensures that the flagged entries are indeed duplicates and not just falsely identified as such. Manual inspection allows for careful review of the criteria used for identifying duplicates, such as name, address, or other relevant attributes, to confirm that these records represent the same entity.

Verifying duplicates helps maintain the integrity of the dataset by preventing the unintended removal of unique entries that may share similar characteristics or data points. This step is particularly important because automated processes might flag records that are not duplicates due to variations in data entry, such as typos or different formatting. By taking the time to manually verify, you can make informed decisions about how to address duplicates, whether that means merging records, correcting entries, or removing only truly redundant data.

Other options would lead to potential issues; for instance, assuming all flagged items are duplicates could result in the loss of important information. Contacting all flagged individuals could create unnecessary confusion and administrative effort, and deleting entries immediately without verification may lead to inaccuracies in the dataset. Thus, manual inspection stands out as an essential and prudent step.