How do I use the Data Dictionary to move the location of a question?

The easiest way to move questions between instruments is to utilize the data dictionary.  The data dictionary is a representation of your study instruments

in an excel format.  Users can manipulate this excel format to make changes in instrument and study structure

NOTE: be cautious when moving fields when a project is in Production. Data in fields that are moved to a new instrument will be orphaned.

Download the data dictionary. It’s an excel file. Start by selecting the data dictionary. 

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2) review and make changes to the excel file that reflect what you are trying to change. In this case moving row locations and renaming the instrument name.

As an example, lets suppose that we would like to move the questions selected below into a new database. To do this we will be changing the form name associated with the questions

we would like to move. *Don’t move the record ID field

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Here is a screen shot of the changes made in the database.  

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3) Save and then select “upload new data dictionary” 

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REDCap will display any warnings or errors that are present in your new file.  You can review them and decide if you would like to continue.  

In this case REDCap is alerting us that it changed the name of "New Instrument" to new_instrument to fit with REDCap's database requirments. 

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After you select "Commit Changes" the changes you made will be reflected in REDCap.  

Before uploading the new Data Dictionary 

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After uploading the new Instrument

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The Data Dictionary can be used for more advanced data changes using the same basic principles described in this review.