A good data definition provides a complete description of ALL the characteristics associated with a variable. We love your variables and what we need to fully appreciate their goodness is good forms (questionnaires, CRFs) and associated variables. What is needed is good old "TLV" from you.
| Stands For.. | Overview | |
|---|---|---|
T | Type of Variable | The most common types are dates, number, coded variables (e.g., 0 = No, 1 = Yes; Tell us if more than one option can be selected). |
L | Layout and Logic | Indicate the look and feel of the variable, and when it should be displayed (e.g., only show if subject is a male). |
V | Validation | Indicate the rules that govern the acceptable variable values (acceptable range, units) |
T - Type of Variable
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Use A Spreadsheet
Document your data definition using the spreadsheet here.
Mark It UP
If sending us forms (CRFs), mark up the form with the data definition.
Example Marked Up Form
L - Layout and Logic
Keep It Simple
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The standard look and feel a is one row per variable layout which is standard practice and always used if possible.
Mark It UP!!
Give each one of your forms and variables some good-old "TLV" and Mark It Up before sending it to us!
Example Marked Up Form
Connect Forms and Variables
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Form (CRF/Questionnaire/Measure) Information
Attribute | What’s Needed |
|---|---|
History | Is the form (or similar form) in another StudyTRAX project? |
Formatting and Layout | Will subjects enter the data? (i.e, need multi-device format) |
Does the format / layout matter? (easiest/simplest electronic user-experience) | |
Describe any special formatting | |
Skip Patterns | When is the variable/form either shown / hidden? |
Example: Skip Pattern logic
Form | Skip logic / condition |
Pregnancy Test | Hide form for males |
Demographic Data | Show text box if ‘other’ is selected for Race |
Variable Standards and Defaults
Attribute | What’s Needed | Our Default |
|---|---|---|
Variable Name | Descriptive Name | |
Unique code (no spaces/special characters [underscore ok]) | ||
Variable Type | Numeric – What is the range (min / max)? Units? | No range, no unit |
Calculation - How calculated? What if missing some values? | All values required for a calculation | |
Text - How many characters needed?
| Unlimited for questions like Describe, Comments | |
Date – What is acceptable range? | Any valid date can be entered | |
Document – How many files and how large? | ||
Coded list (e.g., 0 = Male…) · What are the values and labels for all options? - do you want values displayed for data entry? · Can more than one option be selected? | 0=No, 1=Yes Other lists would start with 0 and increment by 1 Values are not displayed Only one option can be selected | |
Definition | Export – Can values be exported in dataset? | Exportable |
Missing Values – Will values be assigned as “Missing” (e.g., Missing = -9)?
| No missing value definition set up if not specified | |
Required | Must a value be entered? | Yes |
Form (CRF/Questionnaire/Measure) Information
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Attribute
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What’s Needed
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History
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Is the form (or similar form) in another StudyTRAX project?
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Formatting and Layout
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Will subjects enter the data? (i.e, need multi-device format)
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Does the format / layout matter? (easiest/simplest electronic user-experience)
...
Describe any special formatting
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Skip Patterns
When is the variable/form either shown / hidden?
Example: Skip Pattern logic
Form | Skip logic / condition |
Pregnancy Test | Hide form for males |
Demographic Data | Show text box if ‘other’ is selected for Race |
Example: Data Collection Forms Schedule
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