Which of the following most accurately describes the research data lifecycle?

Which of the following most accurately describes the research data lifecycle?

a) Collection, analysis, interpretation, publication

b) Publication, analysis, collection, interpretation

c) Analysis, collection, interpretation, publication

d) Collection, interpretation, analysis, publication

Answer: a) Collection, analysis, interpretation, publication

This option most accurately describes the research data lifecycle Introduction The management of research data requires understanding various phases that are involved starting from the creation of the data up to its storage and ultimate disposal. The common process might start with data gathering or data acquisition where information has to be collected by experiments, questionnaires or observation among others. This is followed by data analysis which entails the use of statistical or analytical methods to go through the collected data and arrange it in order. The next stage is the elaboration stage whereby the researchers make sense of the analysed data, make conclusions and establish relations to existing knowledge or theory. In conclusion, the last phase of the assessment is publication in which the discoveries, methods, and conclusions are released to the scientific community either in journals, conferences or any other accessible media. This logical sequence makes it easier to conduct research systematically from raw information to knowledge that can be shared in society.