How can you ensure primary researchers receive proper recognition for their contributions?

1 Understand the context

Before you use data from primary researchers, you need to understand the context in which they collected and shared it. What was their research question, methodology, and purpose? How did they obtain consent, protect privacy, and ensure quality? What are the ethical and legal implications of using their data? How do they want to be acknowledged and cited? You should consult with primary researchers directly or through their intermediaries, such as data repositories or publishers, to learn about their expectations and requirements.

3 Communicate the results

When you use data from primary researchers, you should communicate the results of your analysis or interpretation to them and to the wider research community. You should explain how you used their data, what you found, and how it relates to their original research. You should also invite feedback, collaboration, and co-authorship from primary researchers, if appropriate. You should also disseminate your results in accessible and transparent ways, such as publishing in open access journals, depositing in data repositories, and engaging in social media.

4 Acknowledge the limitations

When you use data from primary researchers, you should acknowledge the limitations and challenges of your secondary research. You should recognize that your use of their data may not reflect their original intentions, assumptions, or contexts. You should also acknowledge the potential biases, errors, or gaps in their data or your analysis. You should also disclose any conflicts of interest, funding sources, or affiliations that may influence your secondary research.

5 Appreciate the value

When you use data from primary researchers, you should appreciate the value and impact of their work. You should recognize that their data is a valuable resource that enables you to answer new questions, test new hypotheses, or generate new insights. You should also appreciate that their data is a product of their time, effort, and expertise, and that they have shared it with you and the research community generously and responsibly. You should also express your gratitude and respect to them and their collaborators.