The type of data used in research will influence what should be preserved. UiO follows a categorization of four main types of research data, each with different documentation and preservation requirements. These types are observational data, computational data, experimental data, and source data.
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Observational data are recordings or descriptions of phenomena. The need for preservation is typically high because such data are difficult to reproduce.
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Computational data are data from models, simulations, and other calculations. Whether input data, output data, and/or the algorithm should be preserved will vary.
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Experimental data are results from controlled experiments. If the conditions of the experiment cannot be recreated, there may be a need to preserve the data.
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Records include documents, recordings, registers, and other sources that become research data when used as foundational material in research. Often, these are adequately preserved elsewhere, and it is sufficient to document where they are located.
Further information on how research data is defined can be found in UiO's policy and guidelines.