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Article analysis:

The article titled "Perceptions towards research data sharing: A qualitative study of Nigerian academics" published in the Malaysian Journal of Library & Information Science presents a qualitative study on the perceptions of Nigerian academics towards research data sharing. The article provides valuable insights into the challenges and opportunities associated with data sharing in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) such as Nigeria.

The authors conducted semi-structured interviews with 20 Nigerian academics from various disciplines to explore their attitudes towards research data sharing. The study found that while most participants recognized the benefits of data sharing, they also expressed concerns about issues such as intellectual property rights, privacy, and confidentiality. The authors argue that these concerns are particularly relevant in LMICs where legal frameworks for data protection are often weak or non-existent.

Overall, the article provides a comprehensive overview of the challenges and opportunities associated with research data sharing in LMICs. However, there are some potential biases and limitations that need to be considered when interpreting the findings.

Firstly, the sample size is relatively small, which limits the generalizability of the findings. While the authors acknowledge this limitation, it is important to note that the views expressed by these 20 academics may not be representative of all Nigerian researchers.

Secondly, there is a potential bias towards academics who are already engaged in research collaborations or have experience with data sharing. This bias may have influenced their perceptions towards data sharing and may not reflect those of researchers who have not yet engaged in such activities.

Thirdly, while the authors provide a detailed analysis of the challenges associated with data sharing in LMICs, they do not explore potential solutions or best practices for addressing these challenges. This omission limits the practical implications of their findings for policymakers and other stakeholders interested in promoting research data sharing in LMICs.

Finally, while the authors acknowledge some potential risks associated with data sharing (e.g., privacy concerns), they do not provide a balanced discussion of both risks and benefits. This one-sided reporting may lead readers to overlook some potential drawbacks associated with research data sharing.

In conclusion, while this article provides valuable insights into perceptions towards research data sharing among Nigerian academics, it is important to consider its potential biases and limitations when interpreting its findings. Future studies should aim to address these limitations by using larger samples sizes and exploring both challenges and solutions for promoting research data sharing in LMICs.