Imagine a world of science 2.0,
a world where researchers,
working collaboratively
within a virtual community,
decide upon a set
of standardized research
measures to use in their work
and share the resulting
harmonized data.
Now imagine a dynamic tool
that enables such a community.
Would it change how you approach
your research?
I would like to introduce you
to GEM, a tool to enable the use
of grid-enabled measures.
The purpose of GEM is
to provide a Web-based portal
where you, the research
community, can exchange
harmonized data,
using a common set
of defined research measures
linked to known constructs.
GEM provides a home
for the research community
to search, download,
submit and provide feedback
on measures
in a centralized manner
for the very first time.
While tools
of this nature are not unique,
the magic of GEM truly comes
from sharing the data
that result
from using these measures,
thereby facilitating
transdisciplinary research
through
prospective meta-analyses.
Relying on single studies is no
longer viable if we want
to move the field forward.
Now with GEM,
integrative data analysis
methods can be applied
to aggregated data
from multiple studies utilizing
the same measure providing a
heterogeneous sampling
to increase the geography,
sample size,
and other research factors
that will launch research
into a new realm.
GEM provides a virtual community
for researchers
to work together using
collaborative Web technology.
GEM is a portal to submit
and vet measures
and access harmonized data,
including
nationally-representative
and federally-funded datasets.
With GEM, you can search for
and download measures,
view associated constructs,
and explore more detailed
information
such as related terms
and reference material.
You can also rate and comment
on the measures, thereby helping
to establish the standards
for exemplar measures
in behavioral medicine research.
Suppose you are planning a study
but you are not sure what
measures might be best
to include in your protocol.
GEM provides detailed
information and feedback
from a virtual community
of researchers
that can help you determine the
measures best suited
for your protocol
so that you can make an informed
data-driven decision.
Download publically-available
measures for use
in your own study and share data
with your colleagues.
The GEM community works together
to standardize measures
to establish a cumulative
knowledge base.
It is this virtual community
of researchers
that makes GEM truly unique.
GEM users benefit
from harnessing the collective
knowledge of fellow users.
With GEM, you can share the data
you've collected
with collaborators
and make a valuable contribution
to cutting-edge behavioral
medicine research.
GEM will also facilitate more
rigorous theory-testing.
The collaborative nature
of GEM makes it special.
GEM runs on a wiki platform.
This means that you, the user,
help to build the Web site
and the body
of knowledge using Web
2.0 functionality.
GEM is designed
for participation;
templates are available
for researchers
to upload their existing
measures and
associated meta-data.
This collaboration is integrated
into all features
of the Web site:
you can add your own measure
and link it to its construct.
You can view a history
of the measure,
and receive updates in real time
through RSS alerts.
Or, simply comment
on the measure
and provide a rating
to help other researchers gain
perspective
on the measure's value,
ease of use, application,
or reliability.
Together, the GEM community will
refine this repository
of ever-evolving data.
In short, GEM maximizes the
wisdom of the crowd.
GEM is data driven.
It allows you
to identify appropriate measures
based on average rating,
frequency of use,
and traditional metrics found
in the meta-data,
such as reliability
and validity.
Put measures in, get data out.
Rate and provide feedback.
GEM lets you have your voice
heard in the national dialogue
on behavioral medicine research.
This is the power of GEM.
Using GEM, you can be part
of the grid.
You can collaborate
with your peers
through standardized constructs
and measures in the quest
for a coordinated
research enterprise.
GEM will make research more
efficient, build a cumulative
base of knowledge,
and fulfill data
sharing requirements.
Register and begin using
GEM today.