  Data sharing by researchers is a centerpiece of Open Science principles and
scientific progress. For a sample of 6019 researchers, we analyze the
extent/frequency of their data sharing. Specifically, the relationship with the
following four variables: how much they value data citations, the extent to
which their data-sharing activities are formally recognized, their perceptions
of whether sufficient credit is awarded for data sharing, and the reported
extent to which data citations motivate their data sharing. In addition, we
analyze the extent to which researchers have reused openly accessible data, as
well as how data sharing varies by professional age-cohort, and its
relationship to the value they place on data citations. Furthermore, we
consider most of the explanatory variables simultaneously by estimating a
multiple linear regression that predicts the extent/frequency of their data
sharing. We use the dataset of the State of Open Data Survey 2019 by Springer
Nature and Digital Science. Results do allow us to conclude that a desire for
recognition/credit is a major incentive for data sharing. Thus, the possibility
of receiving data citations is highly valued when sharing data, especially
among younger researchers, irrespective of the frequency with which it is
practiced. Finally, the practice of data sharing was found to be more prevalent
at late research career stages, despite this being when citations are less
valued and have a lower motivational impact. This could be due to the fact that
later-career researchers may benefit less from keeping their data private.
