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Attitudes and norms affecting scientists' data reuse
Renata Gonçalves Curty1, Kevin Crowston2, Alison Specht3,4
1Departamento de Ciência da Informação, Universidade Estadual de Londrina, Londrina, PR, Brazil.
Plos One
|December 28, 2017
Summary
Scientists reuse data most when they believe it is effective and important. Demonstrating the value of scientific data sharing can encourage wider adoption and normalization of data reuse practices.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Science
- Data Science
- Scientific Research
Background:
- Scientific data sharing is valued, yet factors influencing data reuse are not fully understood.
- Understanding scientists' beliefs and attitudes is crucial for promoting data reuse.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the relationship between scientists' beliefs/attitudes and their data reuse behavior.
- To identify key drivers and barriers to scientific data reuse.
Main Methods:
- Utilized existing survey data from a global scientist survey administered by the DataONE Usability and Assessment Working Group.
- Applied the Theory of Reasoned Action to analyze factors influencing self-reported data reuse behavior.
Main Results:
- Perceived efficacy and efficiency of data reuse strongly predict reuse behavior.
- Perceived importance of data reuse correlates with increased reuse.
- Lack of trust and perceived negative norms were not significant barriers to reuse.
- Use of models and remotely-sensed data associated with higher reuse rates.
Conclusions:
- Demonstrating the value of scientific data sharing is key to encouraging and normalizing reuse.
- Theoretical and practical suggestions can support investment and policies favoring data sharing.
- Future efforts should focus on highlighting the practical benefits and successful applications of data reuse.
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