All researchers have an interest in, and responsibility to, protect the integrity of the research record.
Why do we care?
-To reconstruct/reproduce what was done (validation)
-To assign credit to researchers
-To prepare reports, papers, etc.
-To teach others how to analyze results, develop new tests, identify errors
-To meet contractual requirements
-To avoid fraud or carelessness (both of which could call the research into question)
-To defend patent claims (US patent law follows first-to-conceive not first-to-file system)
Source: https://www.hhmi.org/sites/default/files/Educational%20Materials/Lab%20Management/Making%20the%20Right%20Moves/moves2.pdf
Data can be defined as measurements, observations, or any other primary products of research activity. It is the recorded factual material commonly retained by and accepted in the scientific community as necessary to validate research findings.
Data are the empirical basis for scientific findings. The integrity of research depends on integrity in all aspects of data management, including the collection, use, storage, and sharing of data.
Data are not just numbers in a lab notebook. Depending on the research, data might include: Tangible data such as images, audio or video recordings, genetically modified organisms, specialized software, ancient artifacts, or geological samples; Intangible data such as observations, conclusions and next steps; Numerical/Statistical data such as calculations, statistical analyses, etc.
