When you do scientific research, it is important that you manage your data securely and efficiently.
To help you do this, make a Data Management Plan at the start of your project. This is a formal document that that outlines how you will handle your data during your project and after it is completed. The Data Management Plan will include aspects such as:
- The type of data you will collect, e.g. observational, experimental, derived/compiled (from existing datasets), etc.
- The form of your data, e.g. text, numeric, models, images, etc.
- How you will organise your data, e.g. structure of your file directory naming of the files
- How you will store your data, including how you will ensure compliance with data storage regulations (e.g. confidentiality, locked cupboard, computer security, backup needs)
- How you will collect your data, e.g. when and where, by whom
- How the data will be processed, e.g. software, algorithms
- If you will archive your data in a data repository (by deciding on an archive ahead of time, you can format your data during collection to make it easier to submit to a database later on)
- Whether your data can be shared with others