Getting started

There are many approaches to reusing data, so there cannot be any hard and fast rules. However, here are some common steps:

• Get oriented to the original research project by reading the catalogue record and other documentation.
• Think about the project data – why was each type of data collected?
• Consider the original sample design and how it was implemented.
• Think about all levels of context of the original data (such as interaction, project, and societal).
• Find a way into the data; sometimes there is a lot of it! Often the best starting point may be case summaries or data lists.
• Develop analytic strategies – refining concepts by cross-collection comparisons or bringing cases and quantitative together.