Data disclosure and data sharing in scientific research.

Abstract

Data sharing is examined for its bearing on (i) quality assurance and (ii) extensions of results in scientific research as well as (iii) part of a tradition of openness in science. It is suggested that sharing can be accomplished in a simple manner that is also sufficiently flexible to fit varying individual situations by asking authors of data dependent articles and grant proposals to footnote (a) whether they are willing to make their data available to others and, if so, (b) how the data may be accessed. Appendices report results from a survey of current policies and practices in professional societies and in Federal government fund granting agencies. Emphasis is on the social and management sciences.