"Research data is defined as the recorded factual material commonly accepted in the scientific community as necessary to validate researching findings." U. S. Office of Budget and Management https://www.whitehouse.gov/omb/fedreg_a110-finalnotice/
"Research data is not just the quantitative data produced by scientific instruments, it can also be artifacts, transcripts of interviews, lists of archival materials, lab books and notes, specimens and sample, photographs, videotapes and more."
Source: Cragg, E. (2011). Thing 14: The research data challenge. Retrieved from University of Warwick 23 Things for the Digital Professional website http://blogs.warwick.ac.uk/rex23phd11/entry/thing_14_the/
1. Meets the requirement for a formal Data Management Plan required by many funding agencies
2. Documents your data throughout its life cycle, thereby ensuring the integrity and proper description of your data
3. Increases the visibility of your research through the placement of the data in a searchable repository
4. Preserves your data for long-term access
5. Shares your documented data with other researchers
6. Increases the impact of your research through data citation