Formats for data import in CDMS

In Castor, it is possible to import data captured with other tools.

The article Import study data provides an extensive explanation of the preparation of the datasheet and the forms to import it into Castor.

This article outlines some specific data formats that you need to be aware of when preparing your data for import.

Importing option group data: radio buttons, dropdowns, checkboxes

Below you will find the requirements to prepare the option groups for import.

Importing radio buttons/dropdowns

Enter a value that corresponds to the option value that should be selected. The option values have to match the option values specified in Castor.

Importing checkboxes

Since checkboxes allow for multiple answers to be selected, each answer option needs to be in a separate column, indicating, in the first row, the variable name of the checkbox field and the option label as follows: variablename#option_label.

If a particular option of a checkbox field should be selected, it has to have a value of 1.

If it is not selected, then the value should be 0.

Tip: You can best approach this by first exporting the data from a test participant, so you have the columns ready.

Please do note, however, that long label names can be cut off in the export. Simply adding back the label should resolve the issue. Another issue can be the use of special characters in the label: some characters should be skipped upon creating the variable name with the option label, while others should be replaced with an underscore.

See the list below:

Importing grid field data

When a grid field is exported, each grid cell is exported as its own column, which is labeled as Variablename_rowname_columnname.

The grid data should be prepared for import in the same way.

An example of this can be seen here. We have a grid field with the variable name 'grid_test' containing 3 columns, 'Hip', 'Knee' and 'Ankle' and 3 rows: 'Date', 'Score' and 'Range of Movement'. The configuration shows that each cell contains a 'number' field. 

Our spreadsheet, prepared for import, contains a column for each grid column and row:

Please note: Row and column names cannot have special characters in Castor for the import to work. That includes parentheses.

Importing user missing data

To assign data as user missing before importing, you should use the value ##USER_MISSING_99## in the appropriate cell. (This will import the value -99, you can replace 99 with any of the other values that are used for user missing, from -95 to -99).

As a complement, here is a summary of the notable data formats required in the different kinds of fields where data import is possible: