A method is provided for the extraction of a data table from a database. The data table includes instances in rows and columns, respectively, and includes indicators characterizing the instances in columns and rows, respectively. The method includes the following steps: a) obtaining an initial specification of the study; b) from the initial specification, building a data table extraction dictionary, which enables specifying instants concerned by the study in the database and enables specifying an extraction formula, a recoding and a role for each of the indicators concerned by the study; and c) carrying out an initial extraction of a data table, in applying the extraction dictionary to the database.