How can data lifecycle management (DLM) be accurately described?

Data lifecycle management (DLM) refers to the practices and policies that oversee the management of data throughout its entire lifecycle, which encompasses stages from initial data collection through to its eventual archiving or deletion after the conclusion of a research project. This process ensures that data is efficiently managed and protected at each stage, addressing aspects such as data storage, accessibility, sharing, and compliance with relevant regulations.

The description provided by the correct answer highlights the comprehensive approach that DLM takes, which includes planning for data handling, organization, and storage during the lifespan of a research project as well as considering what happens to the data afterward. This reflects the continuous nature of data governance and stewardship in research contexts.

Other choices, while related to aspects of data management and ethical considerations in research, do not fully capture the holistic approach that DLM entails:

• Upholding confidentiality by federal law pertains to specific legal requirements rather than the broader management of the entire data lifecycle.

• The obligation to share data with journals is a specific aspect of dissemination and does not encompass the management of data pre- and post-publication.

• Data collection requirements of specific organizations focus on the initial stage of data gathering and do not address the subsequent stages of data use and retention.

Thus, the correct