Web-based tools for information gathering

[yeti2213]

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Hi all,

I have a totally practical question. Have been helping out at a research lab, to get research experiences and am finding its kinda fun. Having a IT background, I've already been asked to do all kinds of things with computers... based on a sample size of N = 1, I think all grad students should get a crash course in basic data manipulation on Excel and Access 🙂

So my questions. The lab is currently using Emperisoft's MediaLab to do data gathering. I'm not that fond of the system because it runs on each desktop individually and the data has to be collated at regular intervals to make them analyzable. Also multiple people can't fill out the questioners at the same time. I'm looking for a web-based data collection software that can be set up by non-programmers and ideally also has built in support for mobile devices.

Ideas? How do you do data gathering in your lab?

 

[Therapist4Chnge]

Hi all,

I have a totally practical question. Have been helping out at a research lab, to get research experiences and am finding its kinda fun. Having a IT background, I've already been asked to do all kinds of things with computers... based on a sample size of N = 1, I think all grad students should get a crash course in basic data manipulation on Excel and Access 🙂

Any significant experience with database design/development (SQL, Oracle, etc) is a huge leg up in the field. Flat file experience like access and Excel can also be helpful. SPSS or similar data programs are pretty much a pre-req. for most places these days.

As for your question....I've found custom solutions to be the best because of flexibility and cost (if developed in house). From a practical standpoint, it isn't hard to put together a form page that is connected to a simple backend like ACCESS. The data can be ported into SPSS, and there should be minimal/if any data scrubbing needed.

 

[yeti2213]

T4C,

Bingo! Most of my experience is working in highly normalized databases in SQL Server. I'm interested in finding out exactly how its helpful in psychology. Will PM you more details and for more info.

I have considered building a custom solution, its not that hard for me to code, but I am not inclined to do it. Many years of working with systems implementation in IT shops in large enterprises has made me suspicious of custom solutions, and for good reason. A couple of reasons I don't like them:
1. once i leave this lab (hopefully in a year because I get into a PhD or masters program somewhere) how will they maintain it. Its unlikely they will find another RA even if they pay let alone a volunteer RA with my technical abilities
2. even before then, they will be dependent on me for all changes since I'm gonna build a app rather than a platform. I would rather find a platform that is designed for non-programmers, where point and click development is possible. In this regard medialab is not bad.
3. in the ideal world, i would find them a solution they don't even have to host inside the university. If I can spare them the need to work with university IT services (i have insider knowledge of that world works) and instead work with a outside vendor, who actually cares about customer service, I would rather that
4. sorta related to 3. This project is probably going to go on for years. And as technology changes if the vendor is handling upgrades etc that will be good. Otherwise in time they are gonna fall behind what is possible

Hum... now that I write it all out. I seem to be looking for a SaaS model data collection service for psych labs. Is there such a thing? If not, it might be an business opportunity 🙂