Every research study follows a sequence of activities commonly referred to as the research lifecycle.
Understanding this lifecycle is essential because data management activities occur throughout each phase.
Phase 1: Study Conceptualization
Researchers identify a problem and formulate research questions.
Data management activities include:
- Reviewing feasibility.
- Identifying data requirements.
- Contributing to protocol development.
- Planning database needs.
Phase 2: Protocol Development
The study protocol defines objectives, procedures, variables, and analysis plans.
Data management activities include:
- Reviewing variables.
- Defining data collection schedules.
- Identifying data sources.
- Planning data flow processes.
Phase 3: CRF Development
Case Report Forms (CRFs) are developed to capture study data.
Data management activities include:
- Designing forms.
- Defining field types.
- Establishing coding standards.
- Creating completion guidelines.
Phase 4: Database Development
Electronic databases are configured.
Data management activities include:
- Building REDCap projects.
- Creating validation rules.
- Defining user roles.
- Testing system functionality.
Phase 5: Data Collection
Study personnel collect participant data.
Data management activities include:
- Monitoring data entry.
- Conducting quality checks.
- Managing queries.
- Supporting study teams.
Phase 6: Data Cleaning
Collected data are reviewed and corrected.
Activities include:
- Missing value checks.
- Range checks.
- Consistency checks.
- Duplicate detection.
Phase 7: Analysis
Clean datasets are analyzed to answer research questions.
Activities include:
- Dataset preparation.
- Variable derivation.
- Statistical summaries.
Phase 8: Reporting
Results are communicated through reports and publications.
Activities include:
- Table generation.
- Figure production.
- Dashboard creation.
- Automated reporting.
Phase 9: Archival and Sharing
Data are preserved for future use.
Activities include:
- Metadata preparation.
- Dataset documentation.
- Repository submission.
- Controlled data sharing.
The data manager contributes to every stage of this lifecycle.