It’s Not about the Data: Reflections on the Uses and Abuses of Data Collection from an Applied Research Center

Abstract

Applied social scientists are committed to improving social life through the appropriate use of data. I found in my work with a university-based applied social science research center that clients engage in data collection efforts for a variety of reasons other than a commitment to using the data that result. This reflection is a cautionary tale to encourage applied social scientists to consider ways of promoting meaningful data use and to avoid compromising professional or ethical standards.