What is research data?

Research data can be “facts, observations, images, computer program results, recordings, measurements, or experiences on which an argument, theory, test or hypothesis, or other research output is based. Data may be numerical, descriptive, visual, or tactile. It may be raw, cleaned or processed and may be held in any format or media” (Australian National Data Service – What is research data, 2017)

Research data includes:

• All data created by researchers during their research
• Any data required to validate the research results, including third-party data (data created by other researchers or bodies, such as Census data from the Australian Bureau of Statistics, or data mined from bibliographic databases).

There are two overarching types of data that may be generated during research:

1. Quantitative data – which relates to quantities and measurements
2. Qualitative data – which relates to qualities and descriptions.

Some researchers will work with a single type of data resource, while others may be working with a wide range including: