RESEARCH TECHNOLOGY
Data Capture
REDCap and Qualtrics are two of the data-gathering options available.
They both have strengths and weaknesses, and there is often confusion as to which is best to use in different circumstances.
REDCap is directed more toward research data collection, with surveys as an additional option, whereas Qualtrics focuses primarily on surveys.
| Feature | REDCap | Qualtrics |
| Web/Mobile friendly user interface |  |
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| Branching | |
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| Anonymous response to surveys | |
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| Collaborative features | |
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| Charts/Graphs/Analytical Tools | |
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| Templates to build surveys from | |
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| Multiple forms linked to a single user | |
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| Data comparison tool | |
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| File Repository | |
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| Social media functionality | |
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| Accessibility checker | |
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REDCap
REDCap is a secure web application for building and managing online surveys and databases. There are 3 types of REDCap services: Development (open to anyone with a valid CampusID and CampusID password without approval required), Production (Human Subject Research) (open to anyone on an approved IRB protocol), Production (Non Human Subject Research) (open to anyone who has a Designation of Not Human Subject form filed with the Georgia State IRB). Before you get started please read the REDCap User Policies. To get started with the production environment or get access for users external to Georgia State, complete and submit the REDCap account request form (see link below). If you have any questions please contact us or check out the REDCap training resources.
Qualtrics
Qualtrics is a research tool that allows you to easily create dynamic surveys and analyze their results. With Qualtrics you can distribute surveys and collect data from your classes, research groups, and more. Check out the Getting Started Guide if this is your first time using Qualtrics. Please note, if you are conducting human subject research you must obtain IRB approval of your survey. If you are surveying 250 or more students, 50 or more faculty, or 50 or more staff, you must get OIE approval which can be obtained by completing the Survey Scheduling Form. If you have any questions about using Qualtrics please visit the Qualtrics Training Resource site or contact us.
Advanced Research Computing Technology and Innovation Core (ARCTIC)
Welcome to the Advanced Research Computing Technology and Innovation Core. We aim to discover, develop, and deploy cyber-infrastructure capabilities to analyze, model, simulate, and predict complex phenomena of interest to the Georgia State Research Community.
- ARCTIC Advanced Computing resources have an intrinsically scalable design comprised of balanced compute architecture with CPU and GPU nodes, a high-performance parallel file system combined with EDR Infiniband interconnect operating at 100 Gbps, which makes it a robust foundation for the broad range of researchers’ needs.
- The objective is to particularly support investigators and projects that make up the “long tail of science”, the projects that are not traditionally supported by large-scale computing centers: the psychologists, biologists, public policy researchers, etc., as well as traditional candidates such as physicists, chemists, and computer scientists. ARCTIC resources are available to all GSU faculty, staff, post-doctoral researchers, and students across the multiple colleges and centers within Georgia State, and all the researchers worldwide through collaborations and partnerships.
Secure Storage
DropBox Business
Compliant storage with as much space as needed and unlimited file recovery free to all Georgia State faculty and staff.
Powerful collaboration, advanced security and control, and all the space you need to work without limits.
Additional Services Provided
If you sign up through Georgia State University as an employee, here are additional services we provide:
- Global administration.
- Compliance: IRB, FERPA, HIPAA, etc.
- Support during internal and external audits including research misconduct investigations, sponsor audits, etc.
- CampusID login
For more information on the institutional Dropbox Cloud File Storage, Synchronization & Sharing, see the ITT webpage on Dropbox.
Data Classification Guidelines
As a Tier 1 research institution, Georgia State University creates, collects, manages, uses and shares many types of data. As such, critical thinking and risk-based decisions must be made for the proper storage, access and security of data across the University. The following information will serve as support for making these decisions.
View Classification Table
| Data Classification | Description | Recommended Technology |
| Public | Information that can safely and appropriately be placed on external-facing websites and servers, with wide access with no risk to the University or individuals. | All. |
| Internal |
Daily functional data deemed not appropriate or necessary for public display. Examples: administrative information, department information, etc. Includes de-identified patient or subject information. |
Make sure your Georgia State computer, laptops, and USB keys are encrypted. If you do not know how, please contact your local IT support or the help desk. |
| Sensitive | Sensitive data is information that, if made available to unauthorized parties, may adversely affect individuals or the business of the University. Research Use/Disclosed medical information with individual authorization or self-disclosed. FERPA High-risk research data. |
We do not recommend Georgia State Network Drives. |
| Restricted | Restricted Use data includes any information that Georgia State has a contractual, legal, or regulatory obligation to safeguard in the most stringent manner. HIPAA (confirmed by the legal department)PCIePHI |
Do not use the Georgia State’s datacenters to stay compliant. Make sure your Georgia State computer, laptops, and USB keys are encrypted. If you do not know how, please contact your local IT support or the help desk. |
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Please avoid using personal services (including personal DropBox, computers, or personal e-mails), as your personal data can become public record if there is a work/research related investigation. During an investigation, your whole disks are copied, you do not get an opportunity to choose which folders are shared or not during an investigation. |
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Do encrypt your laptops, desktops, USB keys, and other devices. If you do not know how, please contact your local IT support or the help desk. |
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Transporting a computer that has encryption software installed is subject to a number of controls. The U.S. Department of Commerce and the Department of the Treasury both have rules designed to control the movement of encryption technology out of the United States. Encryption is controlled or restricted in many countries. Some countries ban, or severely regulate, the import, export or use of this technology as it is treated the same as munitions or weapons. Inspectors in other countries may detain and copy your hard drive. Alternate safeguard methods include taking a blank laptop with only public domain files needed for the specific international trip or encrypting and then e-mailing to yourself any information you may need while overseas. Do not retrieve the e-mail until you have reached your destination, and remember you will need to remove it completely prior to returning to the U.S. or prior to crossing any international border. See ELECTRONIC CODE OF FEDERAL REGULATIONS for additional information; including country group D:1, a short list of countries that are subject to stricter export control. Notable countries on this list include China and Russia. |
Cloud
The cloud can mean different things to different people and can often be a bit overwhelming. Research Solutions is now removing the unknown factor by providing both self service solutions and consultations around the cloud. We will work with you to help you decide the best solution that is both compliant and cost effective for your funded project.
We believe in a cloud first approach when possible and that is why we are running some of our core services in both Amazon and Microsoft Azure. Let our experts help guide you as you design and implement your project so you can focus less on the technology itself and more on the research, getting results faster and helping you stay competitive in the research world.
Services
- Grant support and proposal development support. Talk to us about your ideas while you are writing the grant. We can help you incorporate the cost of appropriate computational support, including appropriate software licenses and personnel.
- Consulting. Work closely with researchers to better understand your goals and practices to better evaluate and recommend appropriate cloud solutions that allow them to take full advantage of available vendors.
Pricing
- We can offer discounted cloud services with Microsoft Azure, Internet 2 connection with both Microsoft Azure and Amazon Web Services, and free data transfer for both Microsoft Azure and Amazon Web Services.
Even if you are not funded yet and want to get started on building a proof of concept, our team offers several internal grant opportunities throughout the year for that very reason. Contact us or request a consultation to get started using the cloud.
AWS Support Services
Contact the GA State-dedicated AWS Account team if you need assistance (at no cost) with:
- Demos, presentations, meetings, proofs of concepts to help explain AWS Services as it relates to the university project
- Architectural Designs. AWS will architect for you or with you, and can review your architectural plans
- Pricing AWS Services. Georgia State has already a signed agreement with Amazon that you will benefit from.
- Researchers’ Cost Models. AWS will develop a cost model for inclusion in researchers’ grants prior to submission
- Letters of Support. AWS will provide Letter of Support for inclusion in researchers’ grants prior to submission.
- Research Grants from AWS
- Training
Azure Support Services
- An Cloud specialist team to help Georgia State – (1) Azure Solution Specialist (for Licensing, Pricing, Estimation) and (2) Cloud Solution Architect (for architecting solutions, demos, proof of concepts specific to the project)
- An Education and State-dedicated account team – including Account Executive, Technology Strategist and Account manager (for support and critical incidents)
- Architecture deep dives, white boarding, POCs sharing case studies from other research institutions
- Trainings – Initial Azure on-boarding and Hands-on-Labs on specific areas of interest (led by partners or Cloud Architects) – Including a full day Azure for Research Training
- Dedicated Websites that provide Publications, BLOGS, Video Lectures, Research Contacts, Events and download examples by Research Area. (Ex. Medical Research)
- Products beyond Compute, Machine Learning and Analytics to augment research projects including open source assets.
- Estimating solution costs (for grant submission and implementation), ways to track, help automate services up and down for cost management
- Connecting/Recommending to a vast network of Microsoft partners for implementation and Azure trainings.
- Support letter to the grant agency (when the researcher is applying for a grant/award), these are customized for the project
- Azure notebooks - powered by the Jupyter Open Source project, using Python, R, markdown, math, graphics, all in your browser. Great canvas to do ad-hoc computations, prepare “Executable” papers etc.
- Microsoft partner programs that we can apply to that are MSFT funded to help a researcher get started (Azure Everywhere).
- Partner led white glove onboarding services to setup portal, admin roles, subscriptions, billing and enterprise admin support
- Programs for Students and Faculty
- Student - MS Azure for Students
- Student/Professor - Free Visual Studio
- Student/Professor - Microsoft Learn
- Student/Professor - Azure 30-day Free Trial
More Information
For more information on AWS and Scientific Computing/HPC please review.
For more information on Azure and HPC, please review.
Contact Us
Request a Phone/Skype/WebEx call to discuss your specific needs.
Request assistance or access to Advanced Research Computing resources: