Sammenstillbare

Sammenstillbare is a Norwegian term used to describe data, results, or variables that can be placed side by side for comparison or synthesis because they share compatible definitions, measurement methods, and coding. The concept is central to studies that involve combining information from multiple sources, such as meta-analyses, data integrations, or cross-national statistics.

Etymology and nuance: the word derives from the verb sammenstille, meaning to place together or align, with the suffix -bar indicating capability. Thus, sammenstillbare refers to something that can be aligned or compared meaningfully.

Usage and domains: the term is commonly used in research methodology, statistics, epidemiology, and data management to describe the degree to which datasets or variables are suitable for joint analysis. It is particularly relevant in harmonization efforts, where researchers map variables to a common schema, standardize units, and ensure consistent timing and population characteristics to enable valid comparisons.

Criteria and process: achieving sammenstillbare data typically involves harmonizing variable definitions, units of measurement, coding schemes, and time points; documenting data provenance; mapping to a common data model; converting units when necessary; recoding categorical variables; and addressing missing data. An explicit assessment of residual differences and heterogeneity is often part of the process to determine whether true comparability has been attained.

Limitations: even with careful harmonization, complete sameness of context, measurement error, or fundamental construct differences may limit true comparability. In some cases, perfect sammenstilling is not possible, and researchers must transparently report limitations.

See also: harmonization, standardization, comparability, meta-analysis, data integration.