Data as Living Entities— Reflections on Values-Driven Approaches to Relational Data in Partnered Research

Bibliographic Data

ID23311163
AuthorsMorgan King (0009-0002-1486-2704, University of British Columbia), Fiona P Mcdonald (0009-0000-4591-7363, University of British Columbia, corresponding author), Hanna M Paul (0009-0002-5201-4415, University of British Columbia)
Year2026
Volume25
Publication date2026-01-19
Open AccessYes
TypeARTICLE
VenueInternational Journal of Qualitative Methods (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 1609-4069 • E-ISSN: 1609-4069
PublisherSAGE Publications (PUBLISHER • US)
DOI10.1177/16094069261463451
OpenAlexW7170032398
LanguageEN
References cited19

Data relationality is not a typical research value in western academia. This article focuses on the often-overlooked value of data relationships (or relationships with data) in research collaborations, particularly in partnered research with industry, community partners, and Indigenous communities. Drawing on our own research contexts in Canada, we show how relationships with data, informed by shared values among research partners, can lead to more ethical and accountable relational research data management (RRDM). This article uses reflexive sharing to create a guide for others to use when approaching data in their partnered research, regardless of discipline. By examining the responsibilities and practices for managing relational data and data relations in these case studies, this article highlights three practical approaches other researchers can engage with that support transparent and equitable research partnerships while treating data as living entities .

Data collection · Data sharing · Indigenous · Reflexivity · Relational database · Research Data · Research ethics · Value (mathematics) · Data Analysis and Archiving · Digital and Traditional Archives Management · Research Data Management Practices

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Open DOIOpen Access