CLOSER ran a pre-conference workshop focused on secondary data analysis across studies at this year's SLLS conference.
This was a pre-conference workshop organised as part of SLLS 2024, Inequalities across life courses and generations: Interdisciplinary perspectives which took place in Colchester, UK from 24-26 September 2024.
About the workshop
Convenor: Dr Neil Kaye, CLOSER Research Fellow
This half-day workshop provided an insightful introduction to the methodology and techniques of secondary data analysis across studies, with a focus on longitudinal cohort study data.
The UK is home to some of the world’s largest and longest-running longitudinal population studies and cross-study analysis can help to understand more about group differences, the role of contextual factors, and how societal changes may impact on outcomes for individuals over the life course or across generations.
The workshop began by outlining the conceptual underpinnings of cross-study research, highlighting its relevance in various disciplines including social sciences, healthcare, and education. Participants were introduced to key concepts of data harmonisation, equivalence and standardisation and will explore the advantages and challenges of undertaking cross-study research.
Through a combination of interactive lectures and hands-on exercises, participants learnt about practical strategies for navigating the intricacies of secondary data analysis across studies, as well as understanding the benefits of cross-study research for academic investigation.
Through real-world examples and best practices, attendees learnt how to identify compatible datasets, access harmonised datasets, and explore cross-study data guides on a range of themes. Moreover, participants engaged with examples of published academic research to understand the diverse applications and insights that cross-study research can bring to the study of change over time and across generations.
By the conclusion of the workshop, participants acquired a comprehensive foundation in the principles and techniques of cross-study research, providing them with the confidence to use existing harmonised datasets, undertake their own data harmonisation and undertake research that exploits the full potential of cross-study analysis in their respective fields of inquiry.
Further information
Further information about this workshop or the SLLS conference can be found on the SLLS conference website.