An initial review of existing datasets and scholarly literature can provide valuable insights into what information is already available about a particular topic. However, this undertaking will need a plan in place to ensure the data is managed and stored ethically. This page gives information and resources into finding, evaluating, creating, and managing data.
Initial research can tell what is available on a topic. Researching Datasets is an easy way to see what research has already been done as well as creating a literature review. Below we have various types of resources that can assist in finding datasets
When researching it is important to know the datasets are reliable. Start with asking questions such as:
These questions can help determine whether or not the data is reliable and prepare to create original data if needed. The resource below can assist you with evaluating the data along with other areas of research.
If you are conducting original research, you may find that you need to collect your own dataset. There are three methods to conducting research: quantitative, qualitative, and mixed methods. The type that is chosen can depend on the type of data needed and the topic. Here are definitions of the different types of methods for research:
If the research includes human subjects, then the Institutional Review Board will need to review your methods to ensure the safety of participants.
Throughout your research project, it is important to have a Data Management Plan. This plan is created to describe how the data will be organized, analyzed, stored, and distributed along with ensuring correct research practice. Here is an example of one tool that you might use for assistance in creating a Data Management Plan of your own.
Data Management in Large-Scale Education Research by