Qualitative Open Science: Perspectives from GDPR Experts and Data Stewards

Data sharing, an open science practice, is a fantastic way to enable the checking and reuse of research data. The practice poses distinct challenges for qualitative researchers, however, as qualitative data are often sensitive, but become useless if stripped of the details that make it both epistemically valuable. In this study, we present the experiences of privacy and data experts with qualitative data sharing. We explore their perspectives on matters such as ethics, safeguarding quality, and practical objections. The goal of this study was to explore the challenges and opportunities that come with sharing qualitative research in practice. In doing so we help empirically underpin the scholarly literature that often handles qualitative data sharing on a theoretical or conceptual level, without engaging with what happens in practice. After several interviews and a focus group, the materials were thematically analysed. We considered themes such as the path to privacy, the human factor, and practicalities. We find that while the intentions of prospective qualitative data sharers are in line with the drive for open science adoption, the reality of making qualitative data available for reuse reveals a complicated landscape that is best addressed on a case-by-case basis, and with close and early consultation with data and privacy specialists trained to think along with qualitative researchers.