Secondary analysis provides a useful method for the development of new know
ledge. Larger samples can be constructed and secondary analysis can be enha
nced when data sets are combined. A standardized method for combining large
data sets is crucial yet literature on methods for combining large data se
ts for secondary analysis is lacking. The purpose of this article is to out
line and explain the process of combining two or more large data sets (n =
276, n = 125)for secondary analysis by using these authors' previous work w
ith large oncology and AIDS care-giver data sets.