Research Definitions

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

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

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

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

Deidentified Data
Deidentified data has had all individual identifiers removed.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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