Which of the following is an example of responsible data management?

Responsible data management is essential in research as it ensures the integrity, reliability, and accessibility of data throughout a study and beyond. Regularly backing up data and maintaining detailed records exemplifies this principle because it helps prevent loss of data due to accidental deletion, hardware failure, or other unforeseen circumstances. This proactive approach to data management not only protects the researcher's work but also supports transparency and accountability in research practices.

Maintaining detailed records provides a clear trail for the data that was collected, how it was analyzed, and any decisions made during the research process. This is vital for reproducibility, allowing others to verify findings and build upon the work in future research.

While other options may seem feasible in isolated contexts, they fall short of best practices for responsible data management. For instance, only documenting data when necessary could lead to gaps in records that hinder reproducibility. Sharing all data with colleagues without restrictions could lead to misuse or ethical breaches, as certain data may be sensitive or proprietary. Storing data exclusively on external hard drives is insufficient since this practice does not ensure that data is backed up in multiple locations or easily accessible to collaborators when needed. Therefore, regular backups and detailed records cover the essential aspects of responsible data management, safeguarding both the research and the integrity