Object classes

Last updated: 19/04/2022

The object class represents the broad type of a data object (and is usually used in conjunction with the more detailed object_type, to fully characterise the object). The options available (id, name, description, source) are shown below. The options and their descriptions are identical to the DataCite controlled list for ‘resourceTypeGeneral’. A dummy ‘Not yet known’ option was added to avoid referential integrity issues on initial entity creation but in general the class should be known for all objects.

id	name	description	use_in_data_entry	source
11	Audiovisual	A series of visual representations imparting an impression of motion when shown in succession. May or may not include sound. May be used for films, video, etc.	true	DataCite
12	Collection	An aggregation of resources, which may encompass collections of one resource type as well as those of mixed types. A collection is described as a group; its parts may also be separately described, e.g. a collection of samples, or various files making up a report.	false	DataCite
13	Data paper	A factual and objective publication with a focused intent to identify and describe specific data, sets of data, or data collections to facilitate discoverability. A data paper describes data provenance and methodologies used in the gathering, processing, organizing, and representing the data.	false	DataCite
14	Dataset	Data encoded in a defined structure. A data file or files.	true	DataCite
15	Event	A non-persistent, time based occurrence. Descriptive information and/or content that is the basis for discovery of the purpose, location, duration, and responsible agents associated with an event such as a webcast or convention.	false	DataCite
16	Image	A visual representation other than text, e.g. digitised or born digital images, drawings or photographs.	true	DataCite
17	Interactive resource	A resource requiring interaction from the user to be understood, executed, or experienced, e.g. training modules, files that require use of a viewer, or query/response portals.	true	DataCite
18	Model	An abstract, conceptual, graphical, mathematical or visualization model that represents empirical objects, phenomena, or physical processes, e.g. modelled descriptions of different aspects of languages or a molecular biology reaction chain.	true	DataCite
19	Physical object	An inanimate, three dimensional object or substance, e.g. artefacts, specimens.	false	DataCite
20	Service	An organized system of apparatus, appliances, staff, etc., for supplying some function(s) required by end users, e.g. a data management service, or long term preservation service.	false	DataCite
21	Software	A computer program in source code (text) or compiled form. Use this type for all software components supporting scholarly research.	true	DataCite
22	Sound	A resource primarily intended to be heard, e.g. an audio recording.	true	DataCite
23	Text	A resource consisting primarily of words for reading, includes grey literature, lab notes, accompanying materials as well as published articles.	true	DataCite
24	Workflow	A structured series of steps which can be executed to produce a final outcome, allowing users a means to specify and enact their work in a more reproducible manner.	false	DataCite
90	Other	Object class not listed elsewhere.	true	DataCite
0	Not yet known	Dummy value supplied by default on entity creation.	false	ECRIN

In most cases, for clinical research data objects, the class will usually be either Text or Dataset. though other options could include Data Paper, Software, Service, Audiovisual, and Interactive Resource. It is not anticipated that there will be a need to increase the object classes available.