Data Management Basics
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University of Houston Data Management and Sharing Policy
University of Houston Data Retention Policy
University of Houston Policy on Data Classification and Protection
What is Data Management?
Research data management is the organization, documentation, storage, and preservation of the data resulting from the research process, where data can be broadly defined as the outcome of experiments or observations that validate research findings, and can take a variety of forms including numerical output (quantitative data), qualitative data, documentation, code, images, audio, and video.
Planning touches all aspects of your research lifecycle.
As shown in Figure 1: Basic Research Data Life Cycle with Management Actions, data management begins with the planning and design of your project, continues as you conduct your project through documentation, storage and security of your data, and finishes with how your data will be shared and preserved post-project.
Figure 1: Basic Research Data Life Cycle with Management Actions
Research Data in Context
During research, the context of data creation is essential to understanding the content. We can loosely define research data as recorded bits of information that have been collected, observed, generated or created to answer research questions or validate findings. It is often digital, but takes many forms. As shown in Figure 2: Venn Diagram of Data in Context, specific practices in managing research data rely heavily on subject matter, data characteristics, and disciplinary community practices. We can help you with customizing your data creation workflows and methods.
Figure 2: Venn Diagram of Data in Context
Data Characteristics
Consider these aspects of content you generate.
Is your data...
- Active (dynamic, constantly changing) or Inactive (static, one event, complete)
- Open (public, for further use) or Proprietary (for monetary gain)
- Non-identifiable (no human subjects) or Sensitive (containing personal information)
- Preservable (to save long term) or to discard in 3 years (not for keeping)
- Shareable (ready for reuse) or Private (not able to be shared, not for reuse)
These characteristics are contingent upon subject, format, and content and will guide your management choices.
Source: Four rising areas of concern in Research Data Management by Andrea Chiarelli
University of Houston Data Management and Sharing Policy
Policy Highlights
- All university research projects require a formalized, written data management plan.
- Data must be archived in a controlled, secure environment in a way that safeguards the data.
- The archive must be accessible by scholars analyzing the data, and available to collaborators.
- Investigators are expected to share data with researchers within a reasonable time frame.
Read the entire Data Management and Sharing Policy (MAPP 08.03.01 – Data Management and Sharing)
University of Houston Data Retention Policy
Research data generated while individuals are pursuing research studies as faculty, staff, or students of the University of Houston, and data generated by visiting scientists utilizing the facilities of the University of Houston, are to be retained by the institution for a period of three (3) years after submission of the final report on the research project for which the data were collected, unless a longer retention period is specified by the sponsor.
Read the entire Data Retention Policy (UH Division of Research)
UH Policy on Data Classification and Protection
The purpose of this policy is to direct information owners and information custodians in the assessment of information and information systems to determine the appropriate data classification level, which then prescribes the necessary security measures which must be in place.
Read the UH Data Classification and Protection Policy (SAM 07.A.08 – Data Classification and Protection).
