Evaluating sources for secondary analysis.

Abstract

Secondary analysis can be extremely versatile in understanding change of phenomena and extending previous studies. However, all data are not created equal. When using secondary sources, it is important to evaluate the data, weigh potential biases, and adopt an attitude of healthy skepticism. Although the potentials of secondary analysis are enormous, certain problems can be avoided if sources are evaluated carefully. Nurse researchers should be aware of some limitations of secondary data sets. Expert knowledge of research designs and statistical techniques, in addition to an open and creative mind, will be invaluable assets in answering the preceding eight questions.