Factors of trust in data reuse

Abstract

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to quantitatively examine factors of trust in data reuse from the reusers’ perspectives. Design/methodology/approach This study utilized a survey method to test the proposed hypotheses and to empirically evaluate the research model, which was developed to examine the relationship each factor of trust has with reusers’ actual trust during data reuse. Findings This study found that the data producer (H1) and data quality (H3) were significant, as predicted, while scholarly community (H3) and data intermediary (H4) were not significantly related to reusers’ trust in data. Research limitations/implications Further disciplinary specific examinations should be conducted to complement the study findings and fully generalize the study findings. Practical implications The study finding presents the need for engaging data producers in the process of data curation, preferably beginning in the early stages and encouraging them to work with curation professionals to ensure data management quality. The study finding also suggests the need for re-defining the boundaries of current curation work or collaborating with other professionals who can perform data quality assessment that is related to scientific and methodological rigor. Originality/value By analyzing theoretical concepts in empirical research and validating the factors of trust, this study fills this gap in the data reuse literature.