Collaborative and synthesis research, a method that combines evidence from multiple rather than single case-studies, is becoming increasingly common in Ecology as a means to address big picture questions spanning large spatial, temporal and geographic scales. The ability to efficiently conduct research utilizing data collected by many individuals is greatly enhanced through good data management and data sharing practices. Repositories and repository networks, such as DataONE, are positioned to facilitate the repeatability and accessibility of data in synthesis research. However, this efficiency is achievable only if data are stored by authors using long-term accessible methods (such as repositories) and are citing data storage locations in an accessible manner (e.g., DOI in methods).
Results/Conclusions
By quantifying the accessibility of data used in, and produced by, synthesis studies we found that 25% of data were stored in recognized repositories, with 37% of these accessible through DataONE. We found data accessibility was affected by journal, publication year, and whether authors had prior data management training. These results suggest journals can have a great influence on data storage through publication requirements and support the importance of training in data management methods for future synthesis research.