Metadata

Background or contextual data about a dataset. Literally "data about data". Metadata is required to enable someone to properly understand and interpret a main dataset

Examples: 

  • The research questions that the data was collected to address
  • Any relevant environmental conditions affecting the main variables
  • The instruments used to collect or generate the data, including specification and calibration details.
  • The methodology used to collect or generate the data,
  • Definitions of variables, including units - also called a data dictionary


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