CoAuthor has introduced a powerful new feature: the ability to compute between two data points. Creating calculations between narrative data points can significantly enhance your ability to derive insights and tell compelling stories. This guide will walk you through the process step-by-step.
Prerequisites
Before you begin, ensure you have:
Added data sources as detailed in the guide "How to Add Sources"
Created a Narrative Document as explained in "How to Create a Narrative Document"
Step 1: Identify Your Data Points
First, identify the specific data points within your narrative that you want to compute between. These could be numerical values, dates, or any other quantifiable data embedded in your narrative.
Step 2: Access the Calculated Fields Feature
Navigate to the desired section of the narrative document to add calculated fields.
Step 3: Define Your Calculation
Select Data Points: Choose the two data points you want to compute between.
Choose Calculation Type: Decide on the type of calculation you need (e.g., difference, sum, average).
Input Formula: Enter the formula for your calculation. For example, if you are calculating the difference between two dates, your formula might look like
END DATE - START DATE.
Step 4: Apply the Calculation
Once your formula is set, apply the calculation. CoAuthor will automatically compute the result and display it within your narrative.
Step 5: Integrate the Results
Incorporate the computed results into your narrative. Use the insights gained from these calculations to enhance your storytelling, providing deeper context and analysis.
Example
Let's say you have two data points: the start date and end date of a project. You want to calculate the duration of the project.
Log in to CoAuthor
In the Projects Workspace, click on a Project
In the Documents Tab, click to launch your Narrative Document
In Word, click on the CoAuthor add-in in the toolbar to load the Add-In
Click on the Data Sections Tab
Click on the 'Create Section' button
In the Create Section modal, enter a Name
Select a Table
Select the Subject Id Column
Click 'Create'
In the newly created AE Days Data Section Workspace, click on the 'Actions' button
In the Actions modal, click to select 'Insert Field'
In the Insert Field modal, click on the box next to the column you'd like to add
Click 'Create'
Enter additional text into the Word Document after the field. For this example, we will enter "experienced the following SAE"
Click on the 'Actions' button
In the Actions modal, click to select 'Insert Field'
In the Insert Field modal, for this example, we will select the column for the adverse event term
Click 'Create'
Add additional text to the document
Click on the 'Actions' button
In the Actions modal, click 'Calculated Field'
In the Calculated Field modal, enter a Name
Note: Name can contain only letters and underscores
Select the end date from the 'column' menu
Select an operator from the menu
Select the start date for the Value field
Click 'Save'
Click on the COG
In the Field Settings modal, click to select 'Insert Text'
In the field under TEXT TO BE INSERTED, enter days
Click Save
Click on the 'Preview' Tab
Select an option from the 'All Subjects' menu
Click on the View button for any of the listed options
Tips for Effective Use
Consistency: Ensure your data points are consistently formatted to avoid errors in calculations.
Relevance: Only compute between data points that add value to your narrative.
Clarity: Clearly explain the significance of the computed results within your narrative.
By following these steps, you can effectively compute between narrative data points, adding depth and precision to your writing. This capability is especially important for writers who need to analyze trends, measure impacts, or provide detailed reports based on their data.