Oxford LibGuides: Workshops and Classes: iSkills: Working with sensitive research data in the Social Sciences and Humanities

Details and booking

Bodleian iSkills: Working with sensitive research data in the Social Sciences and Humanities

A workshop outlining some of the key principles to bear in mind when working with sensitive or restricted research, whether collected yourself or obtained from a third party source such as a data archive. Issues of confidentiality, informed consent, cybersecurity and data management will be covered. Examples of scenarios or concerns drawn from the research of participants are particularly welcome. The role of support services at Oxford will also be outlined and in particular the role of the Bodleian Data Librarian who will lead the session. Follow up consultations with the Data librarian or other subject consultants are also offered.

Objectives - by the end of the session you will:

Understand key best practice principles when working with sensitive or restricted research data
Understand issues around creating original data in the Social Sciences and Humanities
Develop a better understanding of informed consent agreements
Maximise the usage potential of data during and after a project
Consider the strengths and weaknesses of anonymization, data blurring and similar techniques
Understand key strategies for protecting data including encryption, embargoes, future vetting and access restrictions
Better understand the obligation put on researchers by legislation and research partners

Intended Audience: All DPhil students and research staff in the Social Sciences and Humanities

Dates and booking

Tuesday 21 May 10.00-12.00

Social Science Library, Information Skills Training Room

> Book now

More information

Presenters: John Southall and Cathy Scutt

Format: Presentation with practical exercises

What you will need? A computer will be provided. If you prefer to bring your own laptop, please read our guidance notes.

Using your own laptop - guidance

Related courses:

Bodleian iSkills: Managing research data and Data Management Planning (DMPs) (Tue 30 April 10.00-12.00)
more... less...

Good research data management is a vital component of academic practice. Part of this is the principle that the data used to develop the arguments and outcomes of your research should be effectively stored and managed during a project, preserved for the future and - where possible - shared with other academics. This session introduces the University’s research data policy and outlines the practical impact this will have on your work. The services available at Oxford to assist you will be outlined. This session is not only essential during your current studies but will be invaluable if you plan to continue in research as a career.
Bodleian iSkills: Data sources for research - discovery, access & use (Tue 7 May 10.00-12.00)
more... less...

This workshop will provide a grounding in the different ways quantitative and qualitative data is being made available to benefit researchers. By the end of the session you will also have some insight into how your own future work could add to the process and become part of the research discourse.
The course aims to provide an overview of macro and micro data sources available at the University of Oxford, including national data archives, subscription services, business data, and offers some pointers for further searching.
Who is this session for? DPhil students and research staff (particularly in Social Sciences). This workshop will be most beneficial to those researchers planning to use secondary data sources (quantitative, qualitative and mixed) as part of their research or who wish to learn more about the potential of open data platforms and data archives.
Bodleian iSkills: Introducing MANTRA for Research Data Management (Tue 14 May 10.00-11.30)
more... less...

MANTRA is an acclaimed online independent learning course which provides guidelines for good practice in research data management. This workshop will discuss research data management as an integral part of the research process; give an introduction to MANTRA; and then give an actual opportunity to begin the online course with the assistance of library staff.
Who is this session for? Postgraduates and researchers. This will be particularly useful for DPhil students and early career researchers who are starting a research project.
Bodleian iSkills: Working with sensitive research data in the Sciences and Medical Sciences (Tue 28 May 10.00-12.00)
more... less...

A workshop outlining some of the key principles to bear in mind when working with sensitive or restricted research; whether collected yourself or obtained from a third party source such as an NHS trust or Biobank data. Issues of confidentiality, informed consent, cybersecurity and data management will be covered. Examples of scenarios or concerns drawn from the research of participants are particularly welcome. The role of support services at Oxford will also be outlined and in particular the role of the Bodleian Data Librarian who will lead the session. Follow up consultations with the Data librarian or other subject consultants are also offered.