Secondary Analysis of Existing Data Sets for Developmental Behavioral Pediatrics

Abstract

Secondary analysis of existing large, national data sets is a powerful method to address many of the complex, key research questions in developmental behavioral pediatrics (DBP). Major advantages include decreasing the time needed to complete a study and reducing expenses associated with research by eliminating the need to collect primary data. It can also increase the generalizability of research and, with some data sets, provide national estimates that may form the basis for developing policy. However, few resources are available to direct researchers who seek to develop expertise in this area. This study aims to guide investigators with limited experience in this area who wish to improve their skills in performing secondary analysis of existing large data sets. This study provides direction on the steps to perform secondary analysis of existing data sets. It describes where and how data sets can be identified to answer questions of interest to DBP. Finally, it offers an overview of a number of data sets relevant to DBP.