6.1 Data analysis tasks and outputs

for the analysis (measurement variables) with the information in the data map describing the study design (research variables) creates original data sets that are ready for analysis, as shown in figure 6.1. Doing so is difficult, creative work, and it cannot be reproduced by someone who lacks access to the detailed records and explanations of how the data were interpreted and modified. The chapter stressed that code must be well organized and well documented to allow others to understand how research outputs were created and used to answer the research questions. The next chapter of this book provides a guide to assembling the raw findings into publishable work and describes methods for making data, code, documentation, and other research outputs accessible and reusable alongside the primary outputs.

FIGURE 6.1 Data analysis tasks and outputs

Design Acquisition Processing Analysis

Clean data

Treat missing observations and distribution patterns Integrate data sources

Construction documentation Merged data

Create analysis indicators Analysis data dictionary

Analysis data

Conduct exploratory analysis

Publication

Include result in final output? No

Yes

Format and export outputs Analysis archive

Analysis code

Raw outputs

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