Lessons from the Issue Correlates of War (ICOW) project

Abstract

We present lessons and best practices for conflict data collection from the experiences of the ICOW project. Lessons include the development of a search strategy for potential events, the consultation of a broad range of sources, and recognition of the limitations of these sources. More general best practices address the development of detailed instructions for coders, detailed descriptions for data users, and strategies for managing research assistants and preserving project documentation.