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. Author manuscript; available in PMC: 2012 Oct 15.
Published in final edited form as: Stat Med. 2011 Feb 1;30(23):2767–2777. doi: 10.1002/sim.4184

Table III.

Definitions and metrics for the discovery of novel BERD-related methodologies *

Definitions
  • BERD-initiated discovery—The discovery of new methodology is BERD-initiated when the BERD practitioner identifies the need for new methods, as opposed to when an investigator presents with an identified need.

  • Methodology—The approach used to collect, analyze, and interpret scientific data. Methodology is distinct from the scientific question itself. It may include the use of statistical approaches and measurement tools or involve the implementation and oversight of research.

  • New methodology—A new method or the novel application of an existing method.

  • Software—Software encompasses a wide range of electronic applications, including Web-based calculators and statistical tools, free-standing statistical tools, plug-ins and macros for commercial statistical software, and tools for randomization, group allocation, and sampling.


Metrics
 New methodologies
  • Initiator of the methodology (investigator or BERD practitioner)

  • Type of methodology (statistical method, measurement method, etc.)

 Proposals, grants, and contracts
  • Numbers submitted, resubmitted, and funded

  • Amounts requested and awarded

  • Funding sources and types (intramural or extramural; foundation, industry, or government agency; funding for infrastructure, research, or career development)

 Abstracts and presentations
  • Number

  • Forum for presentation (local, regional, national, or international)

 Manuscripts
  • Number

  • Journal quality and impact metrics

 Software
  • Number

  • Type of application developed (stand-alone program, plug-in, Web application, etc.)

  • Use of application (number of licenses, downloads, citations, etc.)

 Other means for the dissemination of information
  • Educational activities (lectures, workshops, tutorials, etc.)

  • Web sites

  • Instruction manuals

  • Reference books

*

BERD indicates biostatistics, epidemiology, and research design.

For additional definitions, see Tables I and II.

For metrics about educational activities, see Table I.