Research Definitions

Research conducted to gain the knowledge or understanding to meet a specific, recognized need.

Research undertaken primarily to acquire new knowledge without any particular application or use in mind.

Confidential information is not subject to legal regulation, but it is not freely available to create, store, and transmit.

Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI) is a category of unclassified data that federal agencies create or possess...

Data classification is the categorization of data according to the severity of adverse effects should those data be disclosed, altered, or destroyed without authorization.

Deidentified data has had all individual identifiers removed.

The systematic use of the knowledge or understanding gained from research directed toward the production of useful materials, devices, systems or methods . . .

Encryption is the process of making information unreadable to all unauthorized users.

The Principal Investigator (PI) is responsible for all aspects of the research project.

Private information is provided by an individual for a specific purpose, and the individual reasonably expects it will not be made public. 

Protected data refers to data regulated by federal, state, and local legislation.

Public data may be shared openly and does not have regulatory or industry requirements on its control and use.

Ransomware is malicious software that renders data and systems unusable until the targeted individual or organization pays a ransom.

Research is creative and systematic work undertaken to contribute to the stock of knowledge . . .

Any information generated during the research process is considered “research data.”

The word “sensitive” describes data that, if disclosed without authorization, could result in harm.