User`s guide

E-Prime User’s Guide
Chapter 2: Using E-Studio
Page 67
2.12 Stage 10: Archiving Experiments and
Results
2.12.1 What files to store
For the purposes of replication, collaboration, and verification, it is necessary to keep thorough
records of experiment files and methods. The files listed below should be archived in order to
investigate, share, or replicate an experiment:
File Name Description
ExperimentName.ES
Experiment specification file
ExperimentName.EBS*
Generated E-Basic script file
Files called by the ES file (BMP, WAV,
TXT, etc.)
Images, audio, stimulus sets, etc.
ExperimentName.EDAT
Single subject data file
ExperimentName.EMRG
Merged data file
ExperimentName.ANL
Analysis specification
*The EBS file need not be archived as it can be regenerated via the ES file. However, if collaborating with a lab owning
only a run-time license, access to the EBS file without having to regenerate would be convenient. Refer to section 11.2.1
for information concerning licensing.
In order to minimize confusion when passing an experiment from one experimenter to another, or
when returning to a previously run study, it is important that the experiment specification (ES) file
be accompanied by a thorough explanation of the experiment specifications (a description of the
design, the factors and levels, etc.). This could be accomplished using any text editor to create a
summary. However, the Notes tab available via the Property pages for each object is an ideal
location for such information. For example, the Notes property for a List object could be used to
record a description of each of the attributes defined within the List, as well as the levels for those
attributes.
2.12.2 Saving data in a spreadsheet and EDAT formats
Researchers are expected to maintain records of their data for a time after collection (typically 5
years after publication). It is recommended that the single subject data files (EDAT) be saved as
well as any merged data files (EMRG). In addition, it is recommended that the raw data be saved
in ASCII format using the Export function with the E-Prime Text option.
Note, when saving the raw data, it is important to remove any filters, and redisplay any hidden
columns prior to the export, so that the entire data file is saved. Use the Restore Spreadsheet
command for this purpose.
2.12.3 Saving results of analyses
In order to regenerate any and all analyses, it is recommended that the researcher maintain a
copy of any plots and tables generated from the data. If any analyses were performed within E-
DataAid, a record of the analysis should be saved as an ANL file (refer to section 2.11.3.3 -
Creating and exporting tables).