Initial Data Analysis (IDA) is a systematic process to provide reliable knowledge about the data to determine the suitability of the data for the main data analysis.

• IDA is aligned with the research aims and the main data analysis
• No hypothesis generating activities
• No assessment of associations of predictors and outcomes

IDA findings can have consequences for research objectives and plans for statistical models BEFORE the main data analysis begins. This helps prevent non-transparent ad hoc decisions during the analysis.

More information with worked examples: https://stratosida.github.io