Edna Greene Medford, Ph.D.
Department of History

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What data management issues have you faced? What were the immediate and longterm consequences to your research project?
How did you resolve these issues?

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To ensure quality of collection
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To ensure ease of accessibility
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To maintain integrity of data once collected
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To safeguard the privacy of human subjects

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Poor quality control in data collection
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Insufficient or unclear file naming system
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Inconsistency in documenting sources
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Incomplete field notes or recorded data
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Loss of data through carelessness or failure to back up

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Field notes
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Transcribed interviews
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Focus group transcripts
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Photos
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Newspapers
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Government documents, laws, court records
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Speeches, addresses, letters, diaries
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Audio and video recordings
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Observations

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Establish and follow quality control procedures
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Organize data into clearly delineated files
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Determine storage medium
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Back up copies
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Ensure authenticity and version control

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Determine before collection how you wish to proceed
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Be clear on your methodology and aware of its limitations
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Transcribe carefully and accurately
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Document thoroughly

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Ensure that each file/document is clearly and properly named
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Abstract each file; identify themes and information relevant to your study
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Cross-reference with other documents/files of similar subject matter

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If digitized data, determine best medium for storage (USB drives, CDs, DVDs, etc.)
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Utilize best practices for securing storage devices
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If data is to be stored on hard drive, ensure that computer is secure

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Identify file/document version—first draft, revised, final, etc.
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Indicate what changes have been made
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Retain original or older files

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Select an alternative storage medium
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Store at least one copy of data off-site
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Retain original, non-digitized data (including notes, interview consent forms, etc.) at the conclusion of the project/research

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Using your specific discipline as example, what procedures have been implemented to ensure quality control in data collection and management?