All Item Types

Data

Colectica lets you describe statistical datasets, rich information about each variable, and summary statistics.

PI Dataset

A data file, database, or other source of data

DR Data Layout

Describes the layout of a data file

V Variable

A column in a dataset

VS Variable Statistics

Summary statistics for a single variable

NC NCube

Aggregate data

RV Represented Variable

Describes the common information of one or more harmonized variables, including data type information

CV Conceptual Variable

Describes the common information of one or more harmonized variables

Data Collection

Colectica lets you create survey specifications, document existing surveys, build question banks, and more.

I Instrument

A survey or other data capture instrument

Q Question

A question that can appear in a survey instrument

QG Question Grid

A question grid that can appear in a survey instrument

QB Question Block

A question block that can appear in a survey instrument

Measurement

An observation or input field used to collect data.

S Statement

A statement that can appear in a survey instrument

Instruction Instruction

Information for an interviewer or respondent

C Computation

Source code that performs calculations, validation, or other actions

Sequence Sequence

A set of items in an instrument, used for grouping, paging, or other organization

IfThenElse

Represents a collection of conditional branches in a data collection Instrument.

Loop

Represents a loop in a data collection instrument.

RepeatUntil

Represents a loop that executes until some condition is true in a data collection instrument.

RepeatWhile

Represents a loop that executes while some condition is true in a data collection instrument.

Managed Missing Values Representation

Describes missing values for a question or measurement.

Managed Date Time Representation

Describes dates or times collected by a question or measurement.

Managed Numeric Representation

Describes numbers collected by a question or measurement.

Managed Scale Representation

Describes scales collected by a question or measurement.

Managed Text Representation

Describes text collected by a question or measurement.

DC Data Collection

Describes the processes and methods used to collect data

DataCollectionMethodology

Describes the methodology used in a data collection process.

Research Lifecycle

Colectica lets you document both individual and repeated studies.

Study Study

A single research project

Series Series

A repeated set of studies

Archive Archive

Information about how a study is archived for long term preservation

Classifications

Classification Family

A Classification Family is a group of Classification Series related from a particular point of view. The Classification Family is related by being based on a common concept (e.g. economic activity). 1

Classification Series

A Classification Series is an ensemble of one or several consecutive Statistical Classifications under a particular heading (for example ISIC or ISCO). 1

Statistical Classification

A Statistical Classification is a set of categories which may be assigned to one or more variables registered in statistical surveys or administrative files, and used in the production and dissemination of statistics. The categories at each level of the classification structure must be mutually exclusive and jointly exhaustive of all objects/units in the population of interest. The categories are defined with reference to one or more characteristics of a particular population of units of observation. A Statistical Classification may have a flat, linear structure or may be hierarchically structured, such that all categories at lower Levels are sub-categories of categories at the next Level up. Categories in Statistical Classifications are represented in the information model as Classification Items. 1

Classification Level

A Statistical Classification has a structure which is composed of one or several Levels. A Level often is associated with a concept, which defines it. In a hierarchical Statistical Classification the Classification Items of each Level but the highest are aggregated to the nearest higher Level. A linear Statistical Classification has only one Level. 1

Classification Item

A Classification Item represents a Category at a certain Level within a Statistical Classification. It defines the content and the borders of the category. An object/unit can be classified to one and only one Classification Item at each Level of a Statistical Classification. 1

Classification Index

A Classification Index is an ordered list (alphabetical, in code order etc) of Classification Index Entries. A Classification Index can relate to one particular or to several Statistical Classifications. A Classification Index shows the relationship between text found in statistical data sources (responses to survey questionnaires, administrative records) and one or more Statistical Classifications. A Classification Index may be used to assign the codes for Classification Items to observations in statistical collections. 1

Classification Correspondence Table

A Correspondence Table expresses the relationship between two Statistical Classifications. These are typically: two versions from the same Classification Series; Statistical Classifications from different Classification Series; a variant and the version on which it is based; different versions of a variant. In the first and last examples, the Correspondence Table facilitates comparability over time. Correspondence relationships are shown in both directions. 1

Foundational

All information in Colectica is built on foundational information such as concepts, code lists, and classifications.

Concepts describe the basic ideas being explored by a study. By defining the concepts behind your study, you can more easily create well-organized documentation. Sharing concepts among multiple studies enables quick, painless data harmonization.

Category Category

A class of people or things

Concept Concept

An abstract idea or general notion

CodeList Code List

A list of categories, each with an assigned value

Individual

A person.

Organization Organization

An institution, company, or other group

Publication

An external resource such as a document, paper, book, or web site.

Unit Type

A Unit Type is a class of objects of interest. A Unit Type is used to describe a class or group of Units based on a single characteristic with no specification of time and geography. 1

Universe Universe

A population being studied

Quality

Colectica lets you manage quality statements about your studies, useful for reporting to funding agencies and other authorities.

QualityStatement Quality Statement

A set of statements with information about how a study was conducted

QualityStandard Quality Standard

Describes all information that a quality statement should record

Data Processing

Colectica lets you describe how data is processed from one form into another.

ProcessingEvent Processing Event

Information about who performed data processing and how it was performed

GeneralInstruction General Instruction

Any sort of data processing instructions

GenerationInstruction Generation Instruction

Data processing that creates new variables or datasets

Grouping and Packaging

Most types of items in Colectica can be organized into groups. This allows you to organize things by topic, project, or any other facet you find useful.

Colectica supports the following types of groups.

  • Category Groups and Schemes

  • Code List Groups and Schemes

  • Concept Groups and Schemes

  • Conceptual Components

  • Conceptual Variable Groups and Schemes

  • Control Construct Groups and Schemes

  • Instruction Groups and Schemes

  • Instrument Groups and Schemes

  • Logical Products

  • Managed Representation Groups and Schemes

  • NCube Groups and Schemes

  • Organization Groups and Schemes

  • Processing Event Groups and Schemes

  • Processing Instruction Groups and Schemes

  • Publication Groups and Schemes

  • Quality Statement Groups and Schemes

  • Question Groups and Schemes

  • Represented Variable Groups and Schemes

  • Unit Type Groups and Schemes

  • Universe Groups and Schemes

  • Variable Groups and Schemes

Colectica also supports other ways to package together related items.

RP Metadata Package

A collection of various kinds of metadata items.

Project Project

A collection of series, studies, and metadata packages.

Footnotes

1(1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8)

Text describing the indicated item types is from the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE), on behalf of the international statistical community.