Research data glossary
Digital Format
The digital format of research data is often synonymous with the data file format. The ARDC/ CODATA Research Data Management Terminology defines this as:
- Layout of a file in terms of how the data within the file are organised and encoded for storage.
Primary Chief Investigator
The definition for Primary Chief Investigator varies depending on the context and funder, however generally it refers to the holder and lead researcher of a project who is responsible for the initiation, development, organisation and completion of that project. (Monash Research Office general definition).
In the context of research data, it is the researcher who has ultimate responsibility for the research data. For research projects, this will be the Primary Chief Investigator (PCI) as designated within the University’s research management system (PURE). This is equivalent to the “Information Governor” role in the University Recordkeeping and Information Governance Procedure.
Research Data
The research community recognises that research data comes in many forms. The National Statement says it can include:
- what people say in interviews, focus groups, questionnaires/surveys, personal histories and biographies;
- images, audio recordings and other audio-visual materials;
- records generated for administrative purposes (e.g. billing, service provision) or as required by legislation (e.g. disease notification);
- digital information generated directly by the population through their use of mobile devices and the internet;
- physical specimens or artefacts;
- information generated by analysis of existing personal information (from clinical, organizational, social, observational or other sources);
- observations;
- results from experimental testing and investigations; and
- information derived from human biospecimens such as blood, bone, muscle and urine.