Guide to Publishing Research Data for Secondary Analysis

This guide outlines the processes and best practices for publishing research data for secondary analysis, specifically within the context of federally contracted research projects. It begins by defining key terms such as data, data archiving, and metadata, emphasizing the importance of making research data available for reuse. The document highlights the role of the Office of Planning, Research, and Evaluation (OPRE) in managing data from research studies to support future research and improve practices. The guide identifies four stages of data publishing: procurement, project planning, data collection and analysis, and preparation and publication of data. Each stage is discussed in detail, with a focus on the importance of transparency, usability, and accessibility in data archiving. The guide also includes insights from interviews with key informants and recommendations for researchers on how to effectively publish data files, considering privacy and accessibility issues. Overall, the document serves as a comprehensive resource for federal agencies and contractors involved in research data management.