FROM IDEA TO PROJECT
Data dictionary starter
Dr Geoffrey Melville | ICEN 2026

Duplicate the field block below for each item you plan to collect.
Develop and agree the definitions with your research-support and project team.
This is a planning template, not a validated research instrument.

FIELD NAME:
QUESTION THIS FIELD HELPS ANSWER:
DEFINITION:
SOURCE (where the information comes from):
TYPE (text, number, date, category, etc.):
ALLOWED VALUES:
RECORDING INSTRUCTIONS:
MISSING OR UNCLEAR INFORMATION:
VALIDATION CHECKS:
EXAMPLE (use invented information):

TEAM AGREEMENT
Version:
Date:
Who agreed the definitions:
Pilot changes or unresolved questions:

Before the main collection, ask whether every auditor can apply the same definition and how you will resolve differences.

Talk resources: https://geoff-4ql.pages.dev/idea-to-project