Understanding Documentation and Metadata: A Guide for Social Scientists

Authors

Auriane Marmier

PDF
Publication

FORS Guide Nº 26

DOI
https://doi.org/10.24449/FG-2026-00027
How to cite

Marmier, A. (2026). Understanding Documentation and Metadata: A Guide for Social Scientists. FORS Guides, 27, Version 1.0, 1-29. https://doi:10.24449/FG-2026-00027

Keywords

Research data management, Documentation, Metadata, Social science

Abstract

This guide explores the role of documentation and metadata in the management of social sci-ence research data. It traces the historical development of documentation and metadata, clar-ifies their relationship, key differences, and proposes a layered approach including project, file, data and repository levels. Finally, the guide provides practical recommendations to support transparent, reusable, well-documented research data.

Recommendations

  • Recommendation 1 — Document with a purpose and for a broad audience
  • Recommendation 2 — Prioritise quality, clarity, and proportionality
  • Recommendation 3 — Begin documenting when you start your project and update it regularly
  • Recommendation 4 — Use templates, tools, and established standards
  • Recommendation 5 — Adapt documentation to your data and context

    • Copyright

    © the author 2026. This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License (CC BY 4.0)

    Publication year

    2026

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