Given that the importance of a cumulative approach to science was first heralded long ago, the current push for pooled data analysis may appear woefully belated. However, several current trends in science indicate that now is an important time for the dissemination of techniques for pooled data analysis. We have amassed many matured data sets relevant to the study of clinical psychology and have increased public access to national data archives. At the same time, we have seen rapid advances in statistical methods and related software that facilitate data pooling analyses in the broader research community. Moreover, this amassing of rich data archives and advanced statistical analysis intersects with a scientific zeitgeist emphasizing collaborative (particularly transdisciplinary) efforts, fueling a “big science” initiative.
