EXPERIMENT DESIGN: Stage 10: Archiving Experiments and Results [37337]

For the purposes of replication, collaboration, and verification, it is necessary to keep thorough records of experiment files and methods.

Stage 10, Step 1: What Files to Store
 The files listed below should be archived in order to investigate, share, or replicate an experiment:

In order to minimize confusion when passing an experiment from one experimenter to another, or when returning to a previously run study, it is important that the experiment specification (.es3) file be accompanied by a thorough explanation of the experiment specifications (a description of the design, the factors and levels, etc.). This could be accomplished using any text editor to create a summary. However, the Notes field on the Common tab available via the Property pages for each object is an ideal location for such information. For example, the Notes property for a List object could be used to record a description of each of the attributes defined within the List, as well as the levels for those attributes.

Stage 10, Step 2: Saving Data in a Spreadsheet and .edat3 formats
Researchers are expected to maintain records of their data for a time after collection (typically 5 years after publication). It is recommended that the single participant data files (.edat3) be saved as well as any merged data files (.emrg3). In addition, it is recommended that the raw data be saved in ASCII format by exporting the data as E-Prime Text.

NOTE: When saving the raw data, it is important to remove any filters, and re-display any hidden columns prior to the export, so that the entire data file is saved. Use the Restore Spreadsheet command for this purpose.

Stage 10, Step 3: Saving Results of Analyses
In order to regenerate any and all analyses, it is recommended that the researcher maintain a copy of any plots and tables generated from the data. If any analyses were performed within E-DataAid, a record of the analysis should be saved as an .ANL file.

***The .ebs3 file need not be archived as it can be regenerated via the .es3 file. However, if collaborating with a lab owning only a Run-Time license, access to the .ebs3 file without having to regenerate would be convenient.

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