Frequently Asked Questions
- Exploring the Data
- Request Access
- Usage Expectations
- Working with EAS Data
- Submit Data to Tech Core
How do I determine which EAS data are relevant to my research question?
Researchers can explore available data categories through the Data Inventory, which gives a broad look at what data was collected over which time periods. For more granular details and metadata, the Narrative Codebook, and the Variables and Measures Dictionary are where you'll want to go.
What time periods are covered by EAS data?
EAS is a longitudinal study with data collected across multiple years. The availability of individual measures varies depending on when they were introduced, modified, or discontinued. See the Data Inventory for more information.
Are all measures available for every participant and wave?
No. Some measures were introduced during later phases of the study, and not all participants completed every assessment or consented to every type of data collection.
How can I find out whether EAS collected a specific variable or measure?
Use the Variables and Measures Dictionary to search for variables and measures, review descriptions, and explore available metadata.
What is the difference between variables marked "Available" and "Available Upon Request"?
Variables marked "Available" are included in curated data releases and have supporting documentation. Variables marked "Available Upon Request" can also be requested through a concept proposal but may have more limited documentation.
How do I request access to EAS data?
All individuals interested in accessing EAS data must submit a concept proposal. Please see Section 2 and Section 3 of the Data Access, Publication, and Sharing Guidelines for more details.
Will I need a Data Use Agreement (DUA)?
A DUA is required for all users and consortia outside of Albert Einstein College of Medicine. Please see Section 8 of the Data Access, Publication, and Sharing Guidelines for more details.
Where can I find variables and measures for my concept proposal?
All measure and variable descriptions and metadata can be accessed via the Variables and Measures Dictionary
Are there any data that I cannot request?
We do not permit access to a limited number of highly sensitive data types such as GPS data, residential addresses and raw genetics information.
How do I address feedback on my concept proposal?
Review Section 2 of the Data Access, Publication, and Sharing Guidelines for more details. We also provide a response template to help with formatting.
Where can I find the usage expectations for EAS data?
See Section 7 of the Data Access, Usage, and Sharing Guideline to learn more about data usage expectations, and refer to your DUA for specifics.
Where do I access data files?
Data files can be accessed via Dropbox after a successful application.
How do I know which file contains the data I need?
The Variables and Measures Dictionary contains a column "Associated Release File" that describes what file(s) a variable is in.
Are all measures available for all participants and waves?
No. Certain collection streams were introduced at different times and not all participants consent to having all kinds of data collected. The Data Inventory is a good resource for viewing what measures are available when.
How do I access data dictionaries?
From the publicly available Variables and Measures Dictionary.
How do I learn more about the variables and measures?
Additional narrative documentation about EAS and the way that data is collected can be found in the Narrative Codebook
Where can I find information about MCI variables?
MCI variables are consistently of special interest to researchers. For detailed explainations about MCI variables, see the MCI Details page on the website. There is a also dedicated MCI Airtable view for easy access to MCI variables and descriptions.
How are NA's denoted in the data?
With NA - see the page on conventions for more information.
How do I merge EAS files?
There is a comprehensive file merging guide available on the website. This guide provides code examples of merges, troubleshooting assistance, and the structural context of the data that impacts merging.
How do I combine data across vintages?
The file merging guide covers combining vintage with specific code examples.
How do I cite EAS data?
We provide a website page on citation to assist researchers in citing the data.
Who do I contact if I have questions about the data or data documentation?
Email Dr. Nelson Roque and Sarah Logan.
How do I submit data documentation to the Technology & Data Management Core?
Please use the Codebook and Data Dictionary Templates to prepare your documentation. Once completed, email your materials to Dr. Nelson Roque and Sarah Logan.
What documentation is required?
Please provide a narrative codebook in Word and a variable-level data dictionary in Excel. Both templates are available on the Codebook Template page.
What should I include in my codebook?
Your codebook should include a brief, nontechnical summary (2–3 sentences) describing the instrument or measure, relevant documentation, and at least one associated publication.
How should I format my data dictionary?
Each variable should appear on its own row. Please complete columns A–E of the provided template and standardize variable names using janitor::clean_names() in R. Additional columns or notes are welcome.
Can I modify the templates to accommodate my data?
Yes. The templates establish minimum documentation requirements, but formatting may vary to accommodate different instruments, measures, and data collection methods.
Who should I contact if I have questions about submitting documentation?
Please contact Dr. Nelson Roque and Sarah Logan for assistance.