Variables in OutbreakTools
Categorical and calculated variables
OutbreakTools allows both input variables in which the user enters data and calculated variables derived from the raw data.
When it comes to text input variables, there are two primary methods for data entry:
- a free text approach, allowing users to input any value they choose,
- a controlled approach, where user options are restricted.
In Excel, the controlled approach for text variables is typically implemented with dropdown menus, which allow data entry of pre-defined categories. OutbreakTools offers multiple ways to create dropdown menus, depending on whether you have predefined categories or not.
The columns Control together with Control details are use to constrain the values that a text variable can take, or provide with a formula in the case of a calculated variable.
| Sort of variable | Controls | Data entry in the linelist |
|---|---|---|
| Free entry | (none specified) | Free |
| Categorical | choice_manual choice_custom choice_multiple geo, hf (special cases) |
Dropdown menu GeoHelper or dropdown menu |
| Calculated | formula choice_formula case_when | No user input needed in these columns |
If no control is selected, the text variable is free text.
The variables that contain geographic information are treated as a special case of categorical variable and have their own dedicated control.
For non text variable (integers, decimals, dates) is is possible to restrict values using data validation
Flowchart: choose your variable control
