UIUC Quant Brownbag

Secondary data analysis of large nationally representative data sets is a standard method used in many social sciences to answer complex questions regarding behavior. However, they are less likely to be used in psychological research. This presentation will discuss the use of secondary data to answer psychological questions. I will provide an overview of how using secondary representative data can increase studies’ scientific integrity. Then, I will detail where and how data sets can be obtained that answer specific questions. Finally, I will discuss methodological issues related to using longitudinal, population data sets. These data sets can enhance science and test theories by increasing the rigor and generalizability of research to the general population which helps in addressing the issues of subgroup biases in the psychological literature.