Using an Existing Data Set to Answer New Research Questions: A Methodological Review

The vast majority of the research methods literature assumes that the researcher designs the study subsequent to determining research questions. This assumption is not met for the many researchers involved in secondary data analysis. Researchers doing secondary data analysis need not only understand research concepts related to designing a new study, but additionally must be aware of challenges specific to conducting research using an existing data set. Techniques are discussed to determine if secondary data analysis is appropriate. Suggestions are offered on how to best identify, obtain, and evaluate a data set; refine research questions; manage data; calculate power; and report results. Examples from nursing research are provided. If an existing data set is suitable for answering a new research question, then a secondary analysis is preferable since it can be completed in less time, for less money, and with far lower risks to subjects. The researcher must carefully consider if the existing data set’s available power and data quality are adequate to answer the proposed research questions.