In the data analysis phase, new knowledge and insights are generated from existing information. Analysis is considered a central part of the research process, and according to the FAIR principles (Findable, Accessible, Interoperable, and Reusable), the analysis workflow must be reproducible.
What should I consider if my research involves human participants?
According to the HSLU personnel regulations, the following provisions apply:
- Anonymization: Data are altered so that it is no longer possible to identify individuals, even by the original data controller. This process is irreversible.
- Pseudonymization: Identifying information is replaced by codes. However, the original data can be restored using a key. This process is reversible.
What rights do I have to my data?
According to the HSLU personnel regulations, the following provisions apply:
- For copyrighted works created by employees in the course of their official duties, the copyright remains with the employee.
- The Lucerne University of Applied Sciences and Arts (HSLU) is granted a perpetual, royalty-free, and comprehensive right of use.
If several institutions are involved, ownership and permitted use of the data should be clarified in advance. This should also be documented in the Data Management Plan (DMP).
What copyright regulations must I observe when using third-party data?
Even if data are publicly available, this does not automatically mean they may be used without permission. When using data from sources without a clearly stated license, you should always seek consent from the data creator.
If you use data from multiple sources, they may be covered by different Creative Commons (CC) licenses. The CC-Mixer can help determine whether the licenses are compatible and which license you can apply to your resulting work.
Which types of licenses are suitable for my research data?
Depending on the publication venue, requirements of funding agencies, and the institutions involved, authors of Open Access publications can decide how their work may be used — typically by applying a Creative Commons-Lizenz.
- Recommended: CC-BY or CC0 – ideal for research data, as they enable broad reuse.
- Restricted use: CC-BY-NC, CC-BY-SA and CC-BY-NC-SA more restrictive and may limit reuse.
- Not recommended: CC-BY-ND and CC-BY-NC-ND, das they significantly restrict reuse and are therefore less suitable for research data.
Further information
- Introduction to Creative Commons: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qDnXgMEH1vU
- Creative Commons Switzerland: http://www.creativecommons.ch/
- Licence Chooser: http://creativecommons.org/choose/
Other free licenses
- GNU General Public Licence: http://www.ifross.org/node/3
- Open Data Commons Licence: https://opendatacommons.org/licenses/index.html