1. Can I access the data remotely?

Yes.  Once you have approval to work with the data, you can access the data from a personal computer running a current version of windows and antivirus software.

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2. Is there a cost for students to access the data?

Yes, students are required to pay for data access (at a very reduced price). A cost estimate will be provided when you complete the feasibility form. Costs cover analyst time to create your unique data file (of all data sets you have approvals for) as well as several hours of analyst time for assistance with your data analysis. See funding page for information on ways to get these costs covered.  If your advisor is an MCHP scientist, the costs are reduced.  In order to be eligible for the student rate, you must be the primary investigator (PI) on your project!  See student guidelines for more information.

 

3. What software can I use to analyze the data?

All data analysis at MCHP is done using SAS. If requested, students can also have access to R or STATA. All sample code is available only in SAS.

 

4. Am I required to do all the analyses/coding for my thesis/dissertation? 

Yes – students are expected to do analysis.

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5. Is there a space for students to work? 

Yes, space for MCHP students is available in the training room at MCHP on the University of Manitoba Bannatyne Campus.

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6. How long does it take to get data access? 

It usually takes around 4 months from when you submit ethics/access approvals to when you can start accessing your data.

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7. Do I need to get ethics/access approvals to use data?

Yes, you need to get all ethics/access approvals before you can access the data, unless your project will be using data that your advisor has approvals for, they will just need to make amendments to add you to that project.  However, keep in mind that if you are not the PI on your own project, you are not eligible for the reduced student data access rates (See FAQ #2 above).

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8. If I want more information about the process (getting approvals/content of the data, etc.) before submitting my proposal, who do I talk to? Where do I go?

There is a lot of information available on the MCHP website. Browsing the applying for access or concept dictionary/Glossary pages will likely answer most of your questions. If you still have questions, shoot us an email and we can help direct you to the right person. Finally, if you would like a broad sense of who we are and what we do, contact us to register for accreditation – these sessions are run every month.

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9. Do I have to attend accreditation before submitting my proposal?

No, but it’s a good idea. Accreditation provides a broad over-view of MCHP including available data, data access and use processes, and requirements for data use and publication of results using MCHP data. This is also an opportunity to ask Charles Burchill (Associate Director, Data Access and Use) questions about using the data and get informal input as to what is possible. It is a requirement for Principal Investigators and everyone with line-level access to data (which, as a student, means you) before starting your project, and needs to be updated annually. Don’t worry, you’ll get an email reminder when you have to renew. 

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10. I am not currently living in Winnipeg/I can’t come in to MCHP at that time. Do I have to attend accreditation in person?

The initial session may be attended by teleconference, but it is recommended to attend in person.

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11. Can I collect my own data and use it in my project with MCHP data?

Yes. You should discuss this possibility with you advisor.  It’s been done before but it is a little complicated. If you have any additional questions about this process, contact Charles (mchp_access@cpe.umanitoba.ca) . 

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