Measuring the Norm of Reciprocity on Data Sharing Practices: A Carrot or Stick Approach?

Author

Crystal Pleake Sherline, University of Tennessee - KnoxvilleFollow

Date of Award

12-2014

Degree Type

Dissertation

Degree Name

Doctor of Philosophy

Major

Communication and Information

Major Professor

Suzie Allard

Committee Members

Michael R. Kowtowski, Michael Olson, Carol Tenopir

Abstract

Based on the theory of the Norm of Reciprocity (NOR), this study is focused on an individual’s data sharing behavior with respect to academic research by investigating their attitude towards data sharing and external funding. A measure was developed for data sharing, and the Adjusted Eisenberger Scale was attuned for measuring the Norm of Reciprocity. The measures were distributed by a random numbers generator to academic researchers at research intensive universities. The results show that NOR does not correlate with data sharing. There was also a negative correlation between scientists’ willingness to share data and external funding. The results are inconsistent with the psychological theory.

Recommended Citation

Sherline, Crystal Pleake, "Measuring the Norm of Reciprocity on Data Sharing Practices: A Carrot or Stick Approach?. " PhD diss., University of Tennessee, 2014.
https://trace.tennessee.edu/utk_graddiss/3164