Source comparison
MK-677 Research Log Track Document: Method Comparison
Paper notebook + weekly transcription Single-subject pilot studies Moderate (transcription errors) Low (manual entry required) None unless scanned Works for n=1 trials; unscalable beyond that Google Sheets with timestamp formulas Small lab teams (2–5 subjects)
This comparison does not assign a generated winner or score.
- Paper notebook + weekly transcription
- Single-subject pilot studies
- Moderate (transcription errors)
- Low (manual entry required)
- None unless scanned
- Works for n=1 trials; unscalable beyond that
- Google Sheets with timestamp formulas
- Small lab teams (2–5 subjects)
- High if validation rules set
- High (pivot tables, charts)
- Version history available
- Best balance for most research settings
- REDCap or equivalent EDC platform
- Multi-site trials, publication-bound data
- Very high (validated fields, audit log)
- Very high (export to SPSS, R)
- Full audit trail built-in
- Required for FDA submissions or peer-reviewed publication
- Wearable device apps (Fitbit, Oura)
- Sleep and activity tracking only
- Moderate (device accuracy limits)
- Moderate (export as CSV)
- None
- Supplement to primary log, not replacement