To create a data management plan you need to understand the various stages data goes through during a research project. This is referred to as the “data lifecycle.
There are many data lifecycle models available. While some are more detailed than others, all lifecycle models include common elements that cover collecting, analyzing, organizing, and preserving data for future use. We have included the DataONE data lifecycle model to the right as an example.
Using a data lifecycle model helps you create a data management plan. A model clues you in on what you need to think about and plan for in each step of the research process.
