FREE PLANNING TOOL · RUNS ON YOUR DEVICE

Research data dictionary checker

Turn your own planning evidence into a visible gap list and a practical review brief.

The file checker reviews structural metadata; the checklist reviews self-reported documentation coverage. Neither validates actual participant values or scientific meaning.

Check an actual data dictionary.

Choose metadata only, not participant records. CSV, TSV and the first XLSX worksheet are supported, up to 2 MB and 5,000 variable rows. Processing stays on this device.

Required columns: variable, label, type, missing_codes. Use allowed_values for categorical/ordinal/boolean fields; optional columns can describe units, ranges, sensitivity and derivations.

Download an illustrative dictionary template

Choose a metadata dictionary

Rules: names match without case; every row needs a name, meaning, recognised type and explicit missing-code policy. Categorical/ordinal/boolean variables need a documented choice list. This tool does not inspect participant values, calculate a quality score or establish measurement validity.

What have you documented?

Mark an item only when you can show supporting evidence. Leave uncertain items unchecked.

Field inventory

List every dataset field once, including identifiers and repeat-group keys.

Meaning and unit

Describe what the field measures and its unit, row unit and observation period.

Data type

Declare numeric, text, date or categorical storage and expected formats.

Codes and missingness

Document permitted codes and distinguish unknown, refused and not applicable.

Valid range and logic

Specify permissible boundaries and cross-field or skip rules.

Derivations

Record formula, source fields and version for each derived variable.

Sensitivity and ownership

Identify restricted fields, access owner and update/version date.

Optional brief notes — no personal or confidential data

Transparent rules

Inputs: your checked statements and optional non-sensitive notes. Each checked statement is counted once. Every unchecked statement appears as an unresolved action. There is no weighting, quality score or automatic approval.

Assumption: you have verified the evidence behind each statement. Notes stay in this page memory until you leave or explicitly download the brief. No tool input is sent to RMA. Downloads are plain text; do not include confidential information on a shared device.

Use the brief to prepare a review. Selecting every item is not certification, independent QA, funder acceptance or permission to release data.

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