This guide is arranged according to the different steps in the Research Data Lifecycle:
Create and Acquire: Describes how data is created or acquired, and the different types of data and data formats.
Process & Analyze: Discusses how and why data is processed and analyzed.
Archive & Preserve: Describes how and why data should be preserved, lays out the differences between storage & preservation, and lists data repositories.
Access & Reuse: States the reasons for making one's data accessible, and the benefits of sharing data.
Research data are primary sources. They are factual material used to validate or refute research findings. Data can take many forms: images, text, numbers, audio clips, etc.
Interest in research data has grown exponentially with the widespread use of technology. It is important to manage your research data throughout your research project.
The DMP Tool is a service that takes you through the steps necessary to develop a data management plan, according to the requirements of different funding bodies, including the NSF. SMU has an institutional account with the DMPTool. Choose Southern Methodist University in the Sign In dropdown menu.
The DMPonline is similar to the DMPTool, and is mostly used by researchers in the UK.
Both tools have the same goal of improving data management practices, and facilitating the development of these data management plans.
Data Management for Researchers