Fitness for use of data: scientists' heuristics of discovery and reuse behaviour framed by the FAIR Data Principles

Introduction. Data reuse in the natural sciences is necessary due to several factors—data volume, the often-real-time one-time collection, the associated collection costs, as well as data’s long-term scientific value with many potential reuses across domains beyond its original purpose. Method. This study captures heuristics used by natural scientists to inform their discovery and reuse. Using a critical incident technique, forty-three scientists from biology, geology, and oceanography were asked to describe their most recent data discovery resulting in reuse. Analysis. To frame participants’ behaviour along a sequence of actions from finding to reusing data, the survey used the FAIR Data Principles. Results. Results show a common lack of understanding of controlled vocabulary and a common determination of fitness of use by noting familiar sources rather than searching through extensive metadata. Conclusions. Scientists’ perceptions of their discovery and reuse behaviour provide considerations for research and impact practice to inform the design of tools and services to improve data reuse by both humans and machines.