Data preparation and finalization
Resolve queries and derive datasets
Freeze a reproducible version after resolving data queries and documenting derivations. A frozen dataset may still have limitations and missing values; amendments require a new version and an audit trail.
Flow diagram
Steps
Collect and validate source data
Check source provenance, permitted access and coding conventions.
Resolve discrepancies and queries
Define ownership, adjudication and audit trails.
Derive variables and datasets
Version derivation rules and participant identifiers.
Review missingness and protocol deviations
Prespecify which issues affect each analysis.
Review and finalize data
Approve the analysis-ready version and reproducible programs.
Data preparation and finalization
End flow
Tables and supporting information
Query and decision log
Preserve decisions and source lineage.
Dataset specification
Plan and track reproducible data preparation.