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1 The Research Data Lifecycle

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Research data management (RDM) is a general term for how you plan for, and carry out, the handling of data in your research project from the planning stages through data gathering/generation, active analysis, and into data deposit or long-term storage and preservation as your project concludes. This type of data management uses a lifecycle approach.

The Research Data Lifecycle

The following is a diagram of the research data lifecycle, which can be used as a tool when you are planning. However, note that it is a model only, and the stages are not necessarily linear nor mutually exclusive for any particular project. Conceptually, the lifecycle helps to visualize the phases; however, keep in mind that the stages can overlap and will be dependent on your own project’s research design.

Select each dot to learn more information about the phases of the lifecycle.

 

Diagram adapted from data-related research activities as presented by LCDRI (2017).
Leadership Council for Digital Research Infrastructure (LCDRI). (2017). Data management position paper: For Innovation, Science, and Economic Development Canada.

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Introduction to Research Data Management Copyright © by Susie Wilson and Robyn Stobbs is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License, except where otherwise noted.