Unit 3 - Dealing with (empirical) research data

List of contents

Data research

How do I find reliable data?

The information presented here comes from the "Data Literacy Jena" certificate program. There you can deal with these questions in a more intensive and structured way if required.

The research cycle

The aim of the research is to find data that can be used for your own research question (i.e. secondary data). First, we would like to introduce you to the research cycle. By clicking on the corresponding buttons with the exclamation marks, you will receive further information on the respective step.

The content of the following interactive exercise is largely based on material from the Data EDUcation project at the UDE of the University of Duisburg.

Identifying data sources

Repositories seem to play an important role when it comes to data. But what exactly are repositories?

In the field of research, a repository is a long-term storage location for digital data where potential users can access the data (usually via a web portal). These can have a different thematic focus (e.g. geodata, historical documents, genetic data) or relate to data from specific institutions (e.g. Digital Library of Thuringia).

But there are also web portals outside the scientific community that provide access to datasets for a fee or free of charge. These can be provided by official bodies, companies or market and opinion research institutes, for example. As part of the open data strategy, data from the administration and publicly funded research projects should also be made more accessible, provided that they do not have to be protected (e.g. personal data).

Assessing data sources

But how do I know whether the data I have found or the data source is usable and trustworthy?

Some data sources are easier to assess in terms of their trustworthiness than others. For example, data from public institutions such as state statistical offices or cities is generally reliable. It can be more difficult with other data providers, although there are also established providers in the private sector that are often used as a source of trustworthy data (e.g. Statista). It becomes particularly difficult when the exact origin of the data is unclear (e.g. unknown sources, data in social media posts) or the source itself has a specific interest in the statements in the data (e.g. lobby groups).

The usability of data can be assessed from different perspectives. Aspects of data quality are often used (you can find more information on this in the "Data Literacy Jena" certificate program). However, since this already requires a deeper examination of the data and you may have identified different data sources, it is practical to be able to make an initial selection based on a few criteria. The so-called CRAP test (sometimes also CRAAP) can be used for this. This was originally used for the evaluation of information sources. However, the criteria applied can also be used in connection with data sources and partly overlap with the requirements for data quality. Let's take a look at the elements of the CRAP assessment and the associated questions.

C - Currency

When was the data generated and to which period do they refer?

Does the time period shown match my question?

Is more recent data required for my question?

Has the data been updated?

R - Reliability/ Relevance

Is the data representative?

Does it contradict other available data?

Is the data suitable for answering my question?

Does the data meet the requirements for my research question (e.g. in terms of spatial resolution, scope, etc.)?

A - Authority/ Accuracy

Who is/are the author(s) or data collector(s)?

Are these persons authorized to collect the relevant data correctly?

Are there control mechanisms for checking the data (e.g. publication in a scientific journal/scientific repository)?

Data organization

How do I organize my data?

In order to keep your data organized, you have to pay attention to how you save them on your computer. In the moodle book "Study organization", you can also find these tips:

Using subject-specific databases

How do I use subject-specific databases?

Specialised databases are a good source of scientific, subject-specific information. In these databases you will find a wide range of content, including literature references, full texts and facts that meet scientific standards.

There are different approaches to making the most of these databases. You can search specialised databases for specific subject areas, use interdisciplinary databases for a more comprehensive overview and use metasearch tools to find relevant subject databases.

The subject librarians at the ThULB can help you use subject-specific databases.
You can find them on the ThULB website under "Subject related services" and there under "Contact".

Software for research

Where can I find information on other research tools?

Do you want to collect data for a research project? Or manage your scientific literature? As a student at the University of Jena, there are a number of software programmes available to you. You can find out exactly which programmes these are and how you can apply for them in this overview.

You can obtain a licence for the relevant software from the University of Jena and apply for it as described in the document. You can find further help on how to use some selected programmes in the URZ wiki. You may need to activate the VPN to obtain the licences. 

Do you have more questions about digitalisation in research? No problem - the Zedif - Competence Centre for Digital Research at the University of Jena can provide you with information, expert advice and training.

Microsoft Office 365 is a very frequently used software in everyday student life. In the following video, we show you how to install the program:

Surveys using the FSU Cloud

How can I safely conduct written surveys? Below the presentation you will find the content in accessible text form.

Application

As it is one thing to get the tips and another to apply them, we have developed a reflection tool for the Digital Learning Kit that you can use regularly, preferably in exchange with fellow students.

On the Mahara platform as a tool for group work, you can find other students who are interested in similar topics and join together in groups.

The exchange group also provides reflection templates for documenting your work and slowly improve it through reflection. You can copy and edit these templates in your personal portfolio on Mahara. If you wish, you can share them with the other group members to exchange ideas.

Further resources

• Gauza, H. (2022). Research Data Management : Basics and Services / Holger Gauza: Basics and Services. Universitätsbibliothek Tübingen.
• Hewson, C. (2017). Research design and tools for online research / Claire Hewson. In: The SAGE handbook of online research methods, 57.