The Role of Data in Research and Policy

Abstract

Data are essential for scientific research and policy planning. However, there needs to be attention to data quality and the estimates and models based on those data. In addition, data need to be freely available for researchers to test new ideas and validate the work of others through replication, while respondents who provide data need to be protected. Three issues concerning data are addressed: 1) Availability and accuracy of data for new research and re-analysis while protecting human subjects, 2) Problems with the estimation of indicators based on flawed or nongeneralizable data, and 3) The use of data to develop models for projecting the future, the assumptions on which those models are based, and assessment of the accuracy of past projections. In each of these areas, increased attention as to how data are used, interpreted, and made available to the scholarly and policy community is necessary.

Usability of existing alcohol survey data in South Africa: a qualitative analysis

“…In the results, only 5 of the 24 datasets identified by the informants were considered ‘most accessible’ or ‘accessible’. Accessibility restrictions to alcohol datasets pose a threat to new research and the replicability of findings 18. For alcohol intervention programme and policy to be effective, they should be based on evidence-based components 19 20.…”

Challenges, Successes, and the Future of Firearm Injury Prevention

“…The lack of comprehensive data access and availability to conduct the necessary research and evaluate effective polices needed to address the burden of firearm injury is another major challenge to the field of firearm injury prevention. One of the key approaches in the scientific method is having appropriate data to evaluate policies, outcomes of interest, causal factors, and potential points of intervention 93 . The field of firearm injury prevention has not had adequate access to relevant administrative data because of the data not being collected, existing data not being available to researchers, 38 or data being available to researchers that is not comprehensive or has many flaws.…”

“…One of the key approaches in the scientific method is having appropriate data to evaluate policies, outcomes of interest, causal factors, and potential points of intervention. 93 The field of firearm injury prevention has not had adequate access to relevant administrative data because of the data not being collected, existing data not being available to researchers, 38 or data being available to researchers that is not comprehensive or has many flaws. For example, we do not currently have a reliable source for rates of nonfatal firearm injuries; thus, evaluations of policies and interventions to prevent these injuries are limited through the lack of data available.…”