Checklist#
Below follow two checklists, one for individual researchers and one for research teams:
Individual Researcher Checklist#
Do not touch the raw data. Back it up somewhere reasonable and keep a read-only copy (see Data Storage and Organisation).
Set up a Data Management Plan to decide how the data is managed. This is especially relevant if you collect sensitive data and need to plan for consent for sharing!
Document everything and keep the documentation with the data (see Documentation and Metadata) to ensure your data is reusable.
Try not to re-invent the wheel. Before you start creating a new schema, storage format or naming protocol, try to find an existing tool: have a (quick) internet search or ask your colleagues (see Documentation and Metadata).
Something that is already being used is likely to be better in the long run.
Follow any procedures required by your research group, institute, or country (ethics, integrity codes, policies on data management/open science)
See also the Harvard checklist.
Research Team Checklist:#
This list is based on Borghi and van Gulick 2022 [BVG22].
Discuss the checklist with your team!
Every member of the research team is able to find and use the data, code, documentation and other materials related to this project (project’s research materials).
We will continue to do so ten years from now.
Our documentation is maintained and reviewed regularly.
The documentation describes the data management practices of the project and includes roles and responsibilities of individual team members
We have established on/off boarding procedures.
Another researcher from outside the research group but in the same field would be able to find and use the project’s research materials.
We have a standardised set of data management practices, including file naming conventions and folder structures (see Data Storage and Organisation).
The data is stored and backed up on recommended data storage systems.
We reviewed all applicable policies (institution, funder, potential publisher).
We have read through and understand other relevant agreements, licenses, or other requirements.
We have sought out community standards and best practices related to our data.
We have set up a Data Management Plan to help us decide what research objects will be made publicly available.