Research Data Management Basics

Use this guide to learn about essential research data management steps and tasks.

1. Writing data management plans 
   • Meet funder mandates and plan a project.
   • Use the DMPTool to help you build your data management plan.
2. Organizing & naming files 
   • Use structured naming and organizing guidelines.
3. Documenting data 
   • Create readme files, codebooks, data dictionaries, lab notebooks, metadata, and related forms of documentation.
4. Storing & backing up your work
   • Learn about recommended practices for proper and reliable storage, access, and security. 
5. Archiving & sharing research results
   • Share your work in widely indexed and reliable research repositories.                                            
   • Access the Mason Archival Repository Service (MARS) and Dataverse, institutional research repositories available to George Mason researchers.

In-depth Information

• Access handbooks and tutorials for in-depth or discipline-specific guidance for managing your research data.
• Try the Open Science Framework for managing your research project components and for collaborating with research partners.
• Access George Mason University's research policies & support

Related Data Management Guides

• Data Citation
• Open Science Framework (OSF)
• Spreadsheets
• Working with Data