Hello researchers,
Sometimes, we collect a huge amount of raw data during field visit, that we are unable to use in a research article immediately. But there are possibilities to use that data in future. So, I would like to know for how many years primary data collected from the field by the individual researcher will be valid. For example, can I use the data I had collected in 2015 through field survey, to write a paper in 2022? Will it be still valid?
Dear Payel,
I hope it depends on the data type but mostly the primary data's of more than 5 year old are not recommended.
Dear Ghosh: It depends on type and nature of data. If it's possible in basic sciences, it won't be valid in social studies after a long period of time; Because the change that occurs to individuals is great, and what was valid is often not so after a period of time. There is a scientific rule that says: Solving a problem that exists now in reality requires current data about it.
The question here is: Will the field survey be repeated again, will you obtain the same data?!
Good luck
Dear Payel,
It is hard to give an answer without knowing your field and topic of research. There is no rule of thumb. It depends on what you are researching and also on how relevant it is as of present day.
Chalachew T. Terefe Imran Rahman Hatem Albasis Thanks for your reply. I have collected data regarding peoples' perceptions of tourism development in a region. It is a part of my Ph.D. thesis. And I want to develop papers based on the data which are collected for the thesis but not used yet.
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