Data Availability Policy
Data File Submission Instructions
Please create a ZIP file containing the following:
- A PDF-formatted "Read Me" file (clearly labeled, for example, Readme.pdf) that contains a list of all the files in the archive, and a "user guide" for the types of files and how to use them to do replication. Authors should explain which programs generate each main set of results, e.g., Table 1, Table 2, Figure 1, etc.
- The dataset used to create the final set of results. You do not need to provide intermediate data sets, or the programs used to construct the final version of the data, as long as the final data are provided. Of course, authors should provide a detailed description of the procedures and programs used to go from the original data to the final variables included in the "final" data set.
- Clearly labeled programs that generate the final published results.
- The programs and data sets can be in any format or statistical software. Certainly, it is helpful if the format is readily usable by other researchers.
- If the data are proprietary (e.g., from Statistics Canada), and an exemption for providing the data has been granted by the editor, then the "readme" file should provide sufficient documentation that a researcher can start with the publicly available data sets, and using the programs supplied, generate the final set of results. In this case, the author(s) must provide the complete set of intermediate programs (and associated documentation). If the data are not publicly available (e.g., from an RDC), then the documentation should also include detailed instructions on how to obtain access to the data.
- The resulting ZIP archive file should be sent to the CJE office, and given a clear name "MSXXXXX_Data.zip."