The Impact of Targeted Data Management Training for Field Research Projects – A Case Study

Jonathan L Petters,Carola A Haas,Jennifer A Smith,George C Brooks

doi:10.5334/dsj-2019-043

Jonathan L Petters, Carola A Haas + Show 2 more

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.5334/dsj-2019-043

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Abstract

We present a joint effort at Virginia Tech between a research group in the Department of Fish and Wildlife Conservation and Data Services in the University Libraries to improve data management for long-term ecological field research projects in the Florida Panhandle. Consultative research data management support from Data Services in the University Libraries played an integral role in the development of the training curriculum. Emphasizing the importance of data quality to the field workers at the beginning of this training curriculum was a vital part of its success. Also critical for success was the research group’s investment of time and effort to work with field workers and improve data management systems. We compare this case study to three others in the literature to compare and contrast data management processes and procedures. This case study serves as one example of how targeted training and efforts in data and project management for a research project can lead to substantial improvements in research data quality.

Highlights

The management of research data in its ‘long tail’ (Heidorn 2008), where data are collected, analyzed and archived by small research groups, continues to challenge researchers and curators
As Heidorn states: “While great care is frequently devoted to the collection, preservation, and reuse of data on very large projects, relatively little attention is given to the data that is being generated by the majority of scientists” in these small research groups
This case study in building data management capacity for a small research group at Virginia Tech serves as one example of how targeted training in data and project management can lead to substantial improvements in research data quality for field research projects

Summary

Introduction

The management of research data in its ‘long tail’ (Heidorn 2008), where data are collected, analyzed and archived by small research groups, continues to challenge researchers and curators. In November 2018 and a year removed from working intensely with the other co-authors, Petters reached out to ask them: “What improvements/changes have occurred with respect to data management for your field research projects?” The co-authors’ responses suggest a rousing success story Both the type and frequency of errors (e.g. typographical, inconsistent data entry) seen in their databases have been drastically reduced. The co-authors found this effort to improve data management for these long-term ecological field research projects in the Florida Panhandle worthwhile enough to extend to other research projects and into their educational curriculum Haas noted that they “are starting a new field project in Virginia and are planning on using the [curriculum] materials for that too, and would definitely recommend it to others.”. Haas noted that they “are starting a new field project in Virginia and are planning on using the [curriculum] materials for that too, and would definitely recommend it to others.” Smith, a professor at The University of Texas at San Antonio, added that through this effort they have “certainly become very aware of data management and best practices and [am] dedicating time in my class semester about data management”

Discussion

Conclusions