Research data are the evidence that underpin research findings and are produced and collected during the course of research in all disciplines. Research data takes many different forms. It may include, for example, databases, numerical data, digital images, 3D models, sound recordings, interview transcripts, excavations diaries, reports, maps, or fieldwork observations.

There is an increased emphasis on managing and sharing data produced in research. Many of the research funders require that research data are made openly available with as few restrictions as possible. This website will guide researchers through various aspects of research data management – how to plan, create, organise, look after and share research materials, whatever form they take – and will provide assistance in meeting funders’ expectations and good research practice.

Kind of research data

There are many ways of classifying data, depending on the discipline and type of research project. The following table shows some examples according to the level of information processing:

Kind of data Description Examples 
Primary Constitutes the starting point of a research project.   

Data that has not been modified. 		Data deriving from:   

– Excavation reports 
– Images of objects and archaeological data 
– Measurement 
– Historical texts 
Secondary Data that has undergone some type of processing (intermediate data or results). Processed data   

– Analysis results 
– Graphical representations 
– Summaries, annotations, etc. 

Questions?

For more information and assistance, contact Documentation Centre and Library.

Contact

Sources :

Research Data Management (University of Cambridge): https://www.data.cam.ac.uk/

Xunta de Galicia; I-Cerca (2021). Guide to data management in R&D&I centres. https://cerca.cat/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/Data-Management-Guide-in-RD-centres.pdf