Chapter 2: What is Small Data?
We begin with a case study of a traditional small-scale face memory experiment. The chapter deconstructs the elements that prevent this experiment from being generalizable, and poses potential ways in which we can expand this experiment into a "Big Data" experiment. The chapter discusses the replication crisis in psychology as an important motivator for broadening psychological experiments, as well as common issues with data fishing or "p-hacking." At the same time, there are limitations to our ability to run perfect Big Data experiments. The chapter describes the beneficial relationship of hypothesis-driven research and data-driven research in psychology, presenting the pros and cons and each. Finally, the chapter discusses different formats of Big Data – wide, deep, and long data.
- The Reproducibility Project
Visit the Reproducibility Project on the Open Science Framework to learn more about the Replication Crisis in Psychology, and see the data for yourself.