Research data can be audio/visual recordings, specimens, images or notebooks as well as text files and numeric data. Any data created or generated in the course of conducting your research can be considered research data.
Should you consider all records and files as research data? No. Only “recorded information necessary for the reconstruction and evaluation of reported results of research and the events and processes leading to those results, regardless of the form or the media on which it may be recorded” are considered research data. (SFU Data Management FAQs)
This 5 minute video from Research Data Netherlands explains what data management planning is, how you go about it and why it is important.
Increasingly, funding agencies require data management plans as part of funding proposals. Planning is critical to organize, document and backup your data. Although it can be daunting, good data management benefits researchers:
Many funding agencies, such as SSHRC and CIHR (parts of the the Tri-Council), require researchers to deposit their research data in an established archive or repository. NSERC does not currently require data deposit.
The Tri-Agency is developing a comprehensive shared policy on research data. As this policy develops and is implemented, UVic is proactively addressing researcher needs by providing repository services, workshops and training events, data management planning tools and guides to best practice in research data management.
Other funders or publications may have their own data requirements. Be sure to check your funding agency's policies.
Data should be cited just as journal articles and other source materials. While styles vary across disciplines, DataCite has a simple guide for data citation:
Although currently there is no uniform standard for data citation, a few citation guides are included below, courtesy of Simon Robins of the UBC Woodward Library.
Open File Formats
Because technology changes, researchers should consider file format choices for long term readability and access. In many cases, open file formats are preferred.
Metadata is "structured information that describes, explains, locates, or otherwise makes it easier to retrieve, use, or manage an information resource. Metadata is often called data about data or information about information." (NISO, 2004)
Metadata should follow defined standards in order to maximize its findability and usability. For help identifying an appropriate metadata standard for your project, contact the UVic Libraries. You can also search for metadata standards in your discipline through the DCC: