D4.2 The VERITY Protocol – Dataset

D4.2 VERITY Protocol Dataset serves as the empirical foundation of the VERITY Protocol, incorporating a qualitative content analysis of VERITY materials to generate VERITY recommendations for strengthening public trust in science. The original VERITY texts were systematically coded by assigning labels to text fragments within the dataset. 

The coding process covered 11 fields, combining both open-ended responses and structured drop-down lists. The drop-down categories for ‘Stewards of Trust’ (eight SOT categories) and ‘Recommendations’ (six recommendation categories) were derived from previous VERITY research, particularly D4.1 VERITY Synthesis Report, and were refined iteratively during the coding phase, as detailed in D4.2 The VERITY Protocol. 

Three researchers conducted the coding process, following a training session before its initiation. Inter-coder reliability was ensured through regular team meetings and cross-checks of the dataset. The full dataset comprises 556 lines of recommendations, each designed to enhance public trust in science and tailored to different Stewards of Trust.