Fieldguide:HelpStrategy
From EpiDataWiki
Contents |
Strategy when things go wrong
Below you will find a suggested path to follow to clarify your problem.
Get specific help
Everyone will run into problems due to lack of clarification of what we actually try to achieve or what prevents us from progress. Follow a structured path like this one:
- Clarify to yourself - "what do I want to accomplish"
- What is my problem ? - Describe it in a sentence or a drawing on a piece of paper.
- Did something unexpected happen ? (What did you do since last time "in control") ?
- Think again - "Did I do what I thought I was doing" ?
If the character of your problem is not clear, then decide:
- Is this a content problem or a technical/software related problem ?
Clarification of this is needed - otherwise you might be looking in the wrong place for a solution.
Content Problems related to study or project
Search for information and knowledge in published literature or text books on study design. You are not having a software problem.
Problems related to software and procedures
- Think - when were you last time in control
- Try to replicate what you did since then and see whether the problem is solved or you get into the same situation
- Find information in the help file of EpiData Entry or Analysis related to your problem.
- Look in the Introduction files found in the help menu of the software.
- Search the e-mail discussion list Archives for a solution.
- View some of the introduction notes Manuals & instruction.
- Look in the samples directory on your harddisk, where EpiData includes several examples.
- Try some of the Samples & examples.
- Find further materials in the list of Courses & Links
If you have not found a solution after the points above it is time to ask someone. And you can do so by sending an e-mail to the discussion list and ask a question there. But it is embarrasing to ask something which is written in the help files or documentation - so remember to look in the documentation above first. So in short:
- Read the help file, the documentation and further notes first.
- Ask for assistance from a colleague or a place where you took a course
- Ask the EpiData discussion list.
Stay informed
We try to fix errors in the software as soon as possible. To get information on updates and new developments or warnings:
- Sign up for the news letter by e-mail from the EpiData Association.
- Get e-mail's with discussions and solutions from the discussion list.
Help from EpiData Association
Unfortunately a lot of spam mail is being sent to the EpiData Assocation. Therefore the strategy above is much better than asking for help directly to e-mail. We monitor the EpiData-list and prefers to give answers to the list. In this way answers are available to all and are also included in the searchable archives as a solution.
Contact the EpiData Association with organisational matters e-mail but make sure to create the subject line, such that spam filters are not "blocking" your mail
