Research Data Management (RDM) is the intentional process, throughout the entire lifecycle of a research project, of keeping data organized. This extends through:
Proper data management will help you:
While some data may be too sensitive to share, or sharing it may contravene ethics approvals, following proper data management practices can ensure you are methodical as you gather and manage your data. It can also either facilitate the sharing of those elements of your datasets which are not sensitive, or allow you to share fuller datasets in tightly controlled and mediated ways.
Research Data are the recorded observations created, collected or observed in the process of conducting an original research project. Research data can be either qualitative or quantitative in nature and may come in a wide range of formats, among them:
Borrowed from the Portage Primer
Confused by some of the language around research data? You are not alone. This glossary will shed some light on the terminology around research data management.