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2018, Vol. 82, No. 1, 65-76

Citation

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Ryan, A. (2018). Open Data in Parapsychology: Introducing Psi Open Data. Journal of Parapsychology, 82, 65-76. http://doi.org/10.30891/jopar.2018.01.05


Editor-in-Chief Etzel Cardeña, Ph.D.
© Rhine Research Center

Open Data in Parapsychology: Introducing Psi Open Data

Adrian Ryan

Independent Researcher

Abstract: Open data in science brings important benefits, most notably the potential to accelerate scientific discovery, and the ability for the community to verify research findings. In addition to exploring these benefits, this paper considers concerns that some researchers may have about the approach. Publishing strategies, copyright and database right considerations, confidentiality, preparation of data for publication, and the citation of datasets are also discussed, as is the importance of journal policy. The second section of the paper presents Psi Open Data (https://open-data.spr.ac.uk), an open repository for parapsychology and psychical research data recently launched by the Society for Psychical Research. The repository is constructed using DKAN, an open source open data platform with a full suite of cataloging, publishing, and visualization features. It allows administrator users to upload research datasets, and any visitor to search for and download datasets. Various aspects of the repository are described: data structures, metadata, data classification, preview, and download facilities. Researchers are encouraged to support the repository by contributing datasets from both current and previous work.

Keywords: open data, psi, parapsychology

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