Data Management

Considering data management questions while planning will help you administer an ethical project:

• What is the repository of record? Where/how will the data be worked on – where all will it be copied to?
• How will we ensure the data remains private until the project is published?
• Is there any identifiable data?
• What is the most open, easily accessible, and long-term viable format that I can publish this data in?
• Does the data require software to open or use?
• What type of license will you place on the data?
• Are there any relevant privacy or ethical concerns related to the data?
• What do I need to do with the data to prepare it for public access? (anonymize, embargo, etc.)

Many university websites have further guidance on how to ensure privacy, confidentiality, and anonymity in research. An example policy is the Software Preservation Network’s Data Management Policy.