From data lifecycle to research activity model: research data management in data-intensive social sciences and humanities research

Abstract

PurposeThe aim of this study is to examine research data management practices among scholars in the social sciences and humanities who engage in data-intensive research. Additionally, the study extends an existing data lifecycle model tailored to these disciplines by incorporating scholars’ perceived needs for research data support services.Design/methodology/approachSemi-structured interviews (n = 21) were conducted with scholars of various levels of experience in data-intensive social sciences and humanities research. A qualitative content analysis focused on research data management practices was applied to the material.FindingsUnmet needs in terms of existing infrastructure (e.g. repositories) and services are affecting the research data management practices in data-intensive social sciences and humanities research, where less common tasks include data sharing and reuse. Based on these perceived requirements, an improved version of the Data Documentation Initiative Lifecycle that includes the support needs required for effectively managing data throughout the research process is developed.Originality/valueThe study contributes to improving the development of research data services aimed at data-intensive social sciences and humanities research by presenting a research activity model that better represents from the perspective of scholars the evolving research data management practices in these disciplines. The study also provides a deeper understanding of the support needs derived from the increasing digitalization of social sciences and humanities research.