High Tech? Low Tech? - The Goldilocks Zone in Data Collection & Analysis Consultation for Courses

In the rapidly evolving landscape of data tools, apps, and software packages, finding the balance between cutting-edge technology and accessibility is essential to support research and teaching in the social and behavioral sciences. This presentation explores how consultations with lab groups, undergraduate and graduate courses attempt to bridge the gap between past and future approaches to data services, identifying the "Goldilocks Zone" of tools—sophisticated enough to meet research demands yet approachable for students and faculty with diverse technical skills.

The presentation will highlight examples from the past year, including supporting research teams conducting large-scale qualitative coding studies with high-tech platforms for transcription, coding, and analysis, and instances where low-tech spreadsheet workflows proved both effective and efficient. Additionally, it will discuss strategies for guiding faculty and students in designing user-friendly data entry forms and equipping students with skills to perform basic descriptive statistical analyses in spreadsheet tools.

By bridging the divide between high-tech and low-tech solutions, we foster connections between established methods and innovative practices. These efforts not only empower research teams today but also anchor a future where data services remain inclusive, adaptable, and impactful.