I am completing a non-STEM research project – I am unsure what you mean by data….?

This is a very frequently asked question so we have developed an information sheet to assist researchers and HDR candidates:

Identifying research data for archiving in Research Data JCU

The information sheet includes some general principles as below, and specific examples from the creative arts, history and  ethnographic fieldwork.

While you are not expected to complete an archival Data Record or a Data Publication in Research Data JCU if you didn't generate data (i.e. data required to support the validity and integrity of research findings), HDR candidates must complete a RDMP and discuss it with their Advisors. This will help you decide what data inputs will be used and what working materials and research data (if any) will be generated and how best to manage them - and ensures compliance with Graduate Research School (GRS) and data management requirements.

• As a general principle, if you need to refer to something in your research output that you have generated, then it is research data or research information;
• Working notes, reflections and observations that are used to develop your findings or creative output, but that are not required for validation (referred to) do not constitute research data in this context;
• Academic referencing can be used for external source documents and materials, and these do not need to be archived in Research Data JCU.

The general principles will apply in disciplines, and for research methods other than those listed in the examples (e.g. screen studies, literary analysis, theoretical research and desktop reviews) but as each research project is unique it is always best to check with us at the start of your project by emailing researchdata@jcu.edu.au and to seek an exemption from completing  Data Records if you are a HDR candidate.