Choosing the Right Software for Data Processing: A Guide

When it comes to processing data as a researcher, choosing the right software can be a daunting task. With so many options available, it's essential to consider not only the functionality of the tool but also its compliance with regulations such as GDPR and its ability to ensure the open and reproducible nature of your research.

The European Union (EUR) has its own tool evaluation process and encourages the use of software listed in the Software Catalogue. Furthermore, to ensure GDPR-compliance, it's crucial that servers used are located within the European Union. However, relying solely on information provided by service providers is not sufficient. Atlas.ti, for instance, publicly informs its users about their GDPR-compliance.

When using software that requires cloud services, it's essential to check the official documentation, such as Terms of Service or website, for relevant information about data processing. Some tools may require sending your data to another server, which can raise concerns about data security and compliance with regulations.

If you're unsure whether a tool requires data to be moved to another server, we recommend taking the time to read the Terms of Service and being as informed as possible. Additionally, make sure to save your files in open, accessible, and sustainable formats. Popular open-source tools such as R and Python for general-purpose data processing, Lime Survey, OpenSesame, and PsychoPy for data collection can help you achieve this.

Using open-source software allows you to examine exactly how your data are processed in the code, making your research more accessible, reproducible, and freely available to other researchers worldwide. Furthermore, using an open-source tool helps to promote open science and reproducibility.

In conclusion, choosing the right software for data processing requires careful consideration of several factors, including GDPR-compliance, data security, and the ability to ensure open and reproducible research. By following this guide, you can make informed decisions about which tools to use and maximize openness and safety in your research.

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