Preparing data for analysis using Microsoft Excel

Alan C. Elliott, Linda S. Hynan, Joan S. Reisch, Janet P. Smith

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

22 Scopus citations

Abstract

A critical component essential to good research is the accurate and efficient collection and preparation of data for analysis. Most medical researchers have little or no training in data management, often causing not only excessive time spent cleaning data but also a risk that the data set contains collection or recording errors. The implementation of simple guidelines based on techniques used by professional data management teams will save researchers time and money and result in a data set better suited to answer research questions. Because Microsoft Excel is often used by researchers to collect data, specific techniques that can be implemented in Excel are presented.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)334-341
Number of pages8
JournalJournal of Investigative Medicine
Volume54
Issue number6
DOIs
StatePublished - Sep 2006

Keywords

  • Data collection
  • Database management system
  • Informatics
  • Pilot projects
  • Research design

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • General Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology

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