In ethnographic research, the research questions and selected methods formulated before the start of empirical investigations often need to be modified and flexibly adapted to the social conditions in the field. Accordingly, it is not possible to determine exactly what types of research data will emerge during the research process, what potential reuse scenarios may be possible, or what specific data protection and research ethics challenges will be encountered in detail.

Therefore, a DMP formulated before data collection that remains consistent in its details is unsuitable for ethnographic research. A DMP for ethnographic research should therefore be designed as a „living document“ that allows for continuous adaptations to the research field and possible unforeseen circumstances, thus adequately considering the openness and flexibility of ethnographic research processes.