Data Management in Large-Scale Education Research

by Crystal Lewis

Research data management is becoming more complicated. Researchers are collecting more data, using more complex technologies, all while increasing the visibility of our work with the push for data sharing and open science practices. Ad hoc data management practices may have worked for us in the past, but now others need to understand our processes as well, requiring researchers to be more thoughtful in planning their data management routines.

This book is for anyone involved in a research study involving original data collection. While the book focuses on quantitative data, typically collected from human participants, many of the practices covered can apply to other types of data as well. The book contains foundational context, instructions, and practical examples to help researchers in the field of education begin to understand how to create data management workflows for large-scale, typically federally funded, research studies. The book begins by describing the research life cycle and how data management fits within this larger picture. The remaining chapters are then organized by each phase of the life cycle, with examples of best practices provided for each phase. Finally, considerations on whether the reader should implement, and how to integrate those practices into a workflow, are discussed.

Key

Provides a holistic approach to the research life cycle, showing how project management and data management processes work in parallel and collaboratively.Can be read in its entirety, as well as referenced as needed throughout the life cycle.Includes relatable examples specific to education research.Includes a discussion on how to organize and document data in preparation for data sharing requirements.Contains links to example documents as well as templates to help readers implement practices.

Genres: Research

314 pages, Hardcover

Published August 19, 2024

Reviews

[Christian Lindke · Rating 5 out of 5]

While Crystal Lewis's book on Data Management was written with education research in mind, it's sections on Data Management Plans and Documentation are universal. I wish I had seen this book when I was starting my dissertation process.

Anyone new, or relatively new like me, in writing IRB applications will find her section on Human Subjects Data invaluable. The IRB process and what items you need to include in submissions for research can be an arcane mystery to new researchers and Lewis provides detailed outlines of what should be included with regards to Human Subjects and a Data Management Plan, two of the most challenging concepts in Human Subjects Social Science research

My only critique, and it's a small one, is that it understates how challenging it can be for non-education researchers to access K-12 students. The protections are there for a good reason, but the process can take longer than you initially expect. Had I read Lewis' book before I began my attempts at research, I think it would have gone smoother.

[Daniel Manrique Castaño · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am a research data curation officer. This book is a great source to enhance curation capacity and research data management practices. I use it to generate material for my seminars and improve my working workflows.

[Heleri Inno · Rating 5 out of 5]

It's a very good book about data management. It can be applied to most fields and goes more into depth in the topics that I expected.
It is slightly America-centred, but that was to be expected.

[Rachel Udow · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is the single most useful data management resource I have encountered. I've already incorporated numerous concepts and practical tools from its chapters into my daily work as a data practitioner in the nonprofit sector. As someone who's spent most of her career in public health, I can attest to the fact that the approaches described in this book can be easily applied to other fields as well. Highly recommend checking it out!