The role of subjective norm in the prediction of researchers' intentions to share data – Explanations by the Theory of Planned Behavior

The Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB) has proved to be a powerful approach to better understand human behavior. At IASSIST2017 Akdeniz and Zenk-Moeltgen have presented findings on how TPB explains researchers’ intention to share data by using structural equation modelling (SEM). Results showed that data sharing intention is influenced by researchers’ attitude towards data sharing, which in turn is influenced by their colleagues (perceived social norm) and their availability of time and money (perceived behavioral control). After focusing only on behavioral, normative and control beliefs so far, we now provide some more in-depth analysis to explain data sharing in the Social Sciences. We extent the previous model and will especially focus on the impact of social desirability on perceived social norm and perceived behavioral control. We will also include some background variables (e.g. demography and past experience) in the structural model since the TPB proposes that the demography and personality characteristics can potentially influence the beliefs a researcher holds.