A voluminous amount of qualitative data has been generated from my Ph.D study (in excess of 100 unstructured interviews that is coded). Despite working on a number of draft articles, I will by no means be able to exploit all the available data by sole authoring articles. I think the data is valuable and needs to be published. What are my options:
1) Are there special considerations to co-authoring on this data?
2) Can I approach scholars in the field by suggesting that they assist with literature, discussion and interpretation whilst I provide the empirical data?
3) I am more than willing to act as second (or last) author to such publications as long as it means that the evidence/knowledge gets 'out there'.
Any suggestions/thoughts will be highly appreciated!
Your supervisor should agree to include other authors from different universities. Because, as the number of authors increase, the unit contribution will reduce. This in turn will reduce the share of DHET reseach incentive fund to your supervisor.
You have stated that it is your Ph.D work. Then, why do you want to be last author of a paper from your thesis? The idea looks weird. The order of authors is extremely important for a publication out of a Ph.D work.
Of course, one can contact expert authors for opinion on results. However, a researcher should develop all his research skills (especially result analyzis and writing) during doctoral reseach.
Dear Marcel,
I must say I disagree somewhat with the tone struck by the first respondent. It sounds like you have a lot of data that you want to share with others for the potential benefit of the research community. You should be appreciated for such a generous offer.
There is obviously an issue with data ownership and confidentiality. This will depend upon what agreements the interviewees signed when the were interviewed, the nature of the subject of the interviews (seems to be quite sensitive) and what law is in place in your country.
Perhaps the way forward to it work with a research group within your institution or a group between different institutions which have an inter-institutional agreement and are under the same jurisdiction so that ownership and confidentiality can be managed.
Once your thesis/dissertation is complete,it is appropriate to prepare a version for a journal article. Many journals are looking for manuscripts in the 6000-8000 ord range.
1. You could divide your data into logical sections and write about each in separate manuscripts.
2. It is appropriate to invite other scholars to join you as an author, if they have something they can conribute. But you should agree at the beginning who will be first author, corresponding author, etc.
Hi Marcel.
Can you elaborate a bit on the nature and value of your data? This would help potential co-authors identify themselves according to their relevance to your field of research.
Regards,
Maria
Another option would be to work with a student (undergraduate, graduate, etc.) to see if they are capable of the literature and some limited evaluation and discussion. That way you are still working with the data you worked so hard to collect and will enhance students research ability while publishing the material.
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