Data are distinct pieces of information, usually formatted in a special way. Strictly speaking, data is the plural of datum, a single piece of information. In practice, however, people use data as both the singular and plural form of the word. In database management systems, data files are the files that store the database information.
Research data is data that is collected, observed, or created, for purposes of analysis to produce original research results. The word “data” is used throughout this site to refer to research data.
Research data can be generated for different purposes and through different processes, and can be divided into different categories. Each category may require a different type of data management plan.