Are 'Null' and 'No' considered the same coding decision in Relativity?

In the context of coding decisions within Relativity, 'Null' and 'No' represent different concepts and implications. When a reviewer codes a document as 'Null,' it typically means that there is no applicable response or the information is absent altogether. This essentially indicates an absence of data, which can suggest that the reviewer did not find any relevant information or chose not to assign a value to that field.

On the other hand, coding a document as 'No' indicates a definitive response that signifies the existence of a specific data element but confirms that the particular condition or characteristic being evaluated is not present. This is a clear decision indicating a negative affirmation rather than an absence.

Understanding the distinction is crucial for accurate data analysis and reporting in litigation and eDiscovery contexts, as it ensures that attorneys and stakeholders can trust the integrity of the coded data, ultimately influencing case strategy and outcomes. Therefore, while both entries indicate a lack of something, they are not interchangeable and serve different purposes in data interpretation.