Which statement about inquiry evidence is true to the best of general practice?

Which statement about inquiry evidence is true to the best of general practice?

• A. Inquiry evidence is always conclusive.
• B. Inquiry evidence is most reliable when supported by corroborating evidence.
• C. Inquiry evidence relies on independent sources.
• D. Inquiry evidence is used as the sole basis for evaluating internal control.

Answer: (B)

Inquiry evidence comes from asking personnel about how processes work and whether controls are in place. On its own, this type of evidence can be biased or incomplete, so it isn’t considered conclusive. Its reliability grows significantly when it is corroborated by other forms of evidence—such as examining documents, observing procedures, performing tests, or obtaining external confirmations—which helps verify what was said and reduces the risk of misstatement. In practice, inquiries are useful for understanding and identifying controls, but they should be supported by additional objective evidence to form a solid conclusion about internal control. That’s why the statement emphasizing corroboration as the source of greater reliability best reflects general practice.

Inquiry evidence comes from asking personnel about how processes work and whether controls are in place. On its own, this type of evidence can be biased or incomplete, so it isn’t considered conclusive. Its reliability grows significantly when it is corroborated by other forms of evidence—such as examining documents, observing procedures, performing tests, or obtaining external confirmations—which helps verify what was said and reduces the risk of misstatement. In practice, inquiries are useful for understanding and identifying controls, but they should be supported by additional objective evidence to form a solid conclusion about internal control. That’s why the statement emphasizing corroboration as the source of greater reliability best reflects general practice.