Slide Template for Module 2: Types , Formats, and Stages of Data

Slide Template forModule 2: Types, Formats,

and Stages of Data

Learner Objectives

Module 2: Data Types, Stages & Formats

1. Explain what research data is and the range of data types

2. Identify stages of research data3. Identify common potential storage formats for data 4. Identify relevant quality control techniques/technical

standards 5. Identify methods of recording data that are specific to

researchers’ disciplines and research interests

Research Data Associated with Most Disciplines

• Images

• Video

• Mapping/GIS data

• Numerical measurements


Research Data Associated with Social Sciences

• survey responses

• focus group and individual interviews

• economic indicators

• demographics

• opinion polling


Research Data Associated with Hard Sciences

• measurements generated by sensors/laboratory instruments

• computer modeling

• simulations

• observations and/or field studies

• specimen


Stages of Data Related to Research Data Life Cycle

• Raw Data

• Processed Data

• Analyzed Data

• Finalized/Published Data

• Existing Data across Different Sources


Stages of Data Related to Research Data Life Cycle

Sample hypothesis:

Water temperatures in Lake Superior are now significantly warmer than in previous years. The evidence lends support to global warming.


Using our sample hypothesisWater temperatures in Lake Superior are now significantly warmer than in previous years. This evidence lends support to global warming.

• Raw Data = daily lake temperatures

• Processed Data = ‘cleaned’ temp. data in spreadsheet

• Analyzed Data = average temps., graphing changes

• Finalized Data = does data support the hypothesis?


Preferable Format Types for Long-Term Access to Data

Data formats that offer the best chance for long-term access are both:

• Non-proprietary (also known as open), and

• Unencrypted and uncompressed


Preferred FormatsExamples of preferred formats for various data types

include:

Moving Images: MOV, MPEG

Audio: WAVE, MP3

Numbers/statistics: ASCII, SAS

Images: TIFF, JPEG 2000

Text: PDF/A, ASCII


Converting to Preferable Formats

Information can be lost when converting file formats.

To mitigate the risk of lost information:

• Note conversion steps taken

• If possible, keep the original file as well as the converted one


Describing Data, Documenting Reliability & Collection

TechniquesData documentation explains the:

• Who• What• Where• When• And why of data.



TechniquesWho:

• Who collected this data?

• Who or what were the subjects under study?



TechniquesWhat:

• What data was collected, and for what purpose?

• What is the content and structure of the data?



TechniquesWhere:

• Where was this data collected?

• What were the experimental conditions that produced it?



TechniquesWhen:

• When was the data collected?

• Is the data part of a series, or ongoing experiment?



TechniquesWhy:

• Why was this experiment performed?

• How does it relate to your research question?


Cross Discipline ConcernsNo matter what, you need to

have:

• File naming conventions

• Version control


Why Do I Need to Worry about That?

Consider this:

If you unexpectedly have to leave your research project for a few months, could a colleague easily make sense of your data files?


Why Use File Naming Conventions?

Naming conventions make life easier!

• Help you find your data• Help others find your data• Help track which version of a file

is most current


What File Naming Convention Should I Use?

Has your research group established a convention?

If not, general guidelines include:

• Meaningful file names that aren’t too long• Avoid certain characters• Dates can help with sorting and version control


Slide Template for Module 2: Types , Formats, and Stages of Data

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