Managing data
Managing research data well is the foundation for good research. It means that data are properly organised and looked after and that their quality
and integrity is controlled. Well managed data result in higher quality data which are easier to use in research.
When it comes to archiving and sharing research data, good management is essential to ensure that data can be preserved
long-term and can be used and understood by other researchers. When managed and preserved properly, data can be re-used
for future scientific and educational purposes.
The UK Data Archive provides detailed guidance on data management on its data managing and sharing section of
the web site. Reference is made to the relevant web pages for each topic.
Key aspects of data management are:
It is important that data destined for archiving are well illustrated with data documentation and metadata
to ensure that they can be understood, interpreted and used by other researchers.
When data result from research with people as participants, attention may need to be given to the possible confidentiality
of such data. This
will require attention when obtaining informed consent to use and share data for various purposes;
and may require anonymisation of data.
Data management applies equally to quantitative (numerical, tabular)
and qualitative data (textual data, transcripts, recordings, photographs, etc.). For qualititative data, the guidelines developed by the UK Data Archive on
transcribing are recommended.
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