Searching Data: A Review of Observational Data Retrieval Practices in Selected Disciplines

TL;DR

This paper reviews how users search for and evaluate observational research data across disciplines, aiming to identify common practices and develop a model of data retrieval behavior.

Contribution

It provides a cross-disciplinary analysis of data retrieval practices and proposes a framework for understanding user behaviors in data seeking and evaluation.

Findings

Identifies commonalities in data search behaviors across disciplines

Uses information retrieval and science technology studies frameworks

Lays groundwork for a data retrieval behavior model

Abstract

A cross-disciplinary examination of the user behaviours involved in seeking and evaluating data is surprisingly absent from the research data discussion. This review explores the data retrieval literature to identify commonalities in how users search for and evaluate observational research data. Two analytical frameworks rooted in information retrieval and science technology studies are used to identify key similarities in practices as a first step toward developing a model describing data retrieval.