In a thesis, data management refers to the management of the research data within the thesis. The research data is
Data protection, information security and research ethics have also been ensured.
Research data in a thesis refers to the data that is collected or generated, analyzed, and used specifically for the purpose of the thesis. The data is used to support the findings and results presented in the thesis.
In the process of conducting a thesis, various types and quantities of research data can be generated. Some examples of research data in a thesis may include
Since the research data verifies the findings of the thesis, attention should be given to the quality and handling of the data. If the data used as the basis for the results is not reliable, the results of the thesis will also be unreliable.
In some cases, research data may not exist in a digital format or may not be converted into a digital format for various reasons. This can include physical samples, tangible objects, or paper-based materials. Responsible data management practices also apply to physical research data.
Research methodology = how you acquire and analyze research data
Research data = the data that you analyze
Source literature / research literature = the theoretical framework of your research, such as articles or books that you use as sources
Data management is a part of good scientific practice, which applies not only to scientific research but also to theses, teaching, and guidance. Metropolia, like other higher education institutions, is committed to good scientific practice.
The planning and implementation of data management plan is risk management. Laws, agreements, and research ethics also apply to data used in theses. Planning is particularly important when collecting personal data or other sensitive information, such as trade secrets.
Properly managed data remains reliable, enabling the generation of trustworthy results.
Good data management makes it easier to carry out the thesis in a concrete way. When files are systematically stored, they are easy to find. Backing up data prevents accidental loss. Documentation laso makes the data understandable for the thesis supervisors and the author themselves, even if some time has passed since the data was collected.
Data management practices are useful in professional work, so it is worth practising them when doing a thesis.
If there is an intention to share or reuse the data after the thesis is completed, the data should be of high quality and well managed. The life cycle of the data does not end with the thesis, but can have wider societal benefits.
Data management always begins with planning, just like the entire thesis project. The data management plan is part of the thesis plan and covers all relevant aspects of data management. The plan can be seen as a checklist or risk management tool: Are all necessary aspects considered, such as agreements, research permits, data protection, or the need for ethical pre-assessment?
During the implementation phase, data is collected or produced, stored, and processed while taking into account data security, data protection, and research ethics. It is also important to describe or document the data and its processing procedures.
When the data is no longer being processed, it is advisable to "package it up." If the data contains personal information or sensitive data such as trade secrets, this information should either be removed or anonymised as soon as it is no longer needed, but no later than the end of the thesis project.
The life cycle of the data may continue even after graduating, for example, if the data is made openly accessible or transferred for further use to a specific party. Agreements and the consent of participants may limit the possibilities for further use, so this should be considered in the data management plan.
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