What does "Combining Data" mean?

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Combining data means joining information from different sources to get a clearer picture. This is especially helpful in research where each data type has its strengths and weaknesses. For example, some studies use controlled trials, which are great for proving cause and effect, but they often have small sample sizes. This makes it hard to understand effects on smaller groups of people.

On the other hand, observational data comes from everyday situations and is easier to collect in large amounts. However, this type of data can sometimes be misleading because there may be unknown factors that influence the results.

By merging these two data types, researchers can enhance their findings. This combined approach can lead to more accurate estimates of treatment effects and help researchers make better decisions. The process involves carefully adjusting how much each type of data is weighted, ensuring that the results are reliable.

In practice, this method has been tested through simulations and applied to real-world studies, showing that it can effectively improve research outcomes while keeping results trustworthy.