What is secondary research?

Secondary research is a method that re -uses existing data that has been collected for another project, often by another researcher. It is a relatively cheap form of data collection, as the costs associated with surveys or other tools have already been carried out. It can also be performed faster and with less working strength than the collection of primary data. Secondary research is used in many fields, including market research, medical and social policy. Secondary research can be used as a starting point for a research project. Before the researcher performs his own data collection, he can analyze existing data on this topic. This helps tune in hypothesis and research questions. Time and cost savings also make a valuable research tool. Secondary research helps the researcher to avoid some of the pitfalls and challenges of ara data collection, such as gaining access to a study population or difficulty in administration.

This research method also has some disadvantages. If the original data collection tool was a survey, the original tool could ask questions in a way that is unsuitable for secondary analysis or can collect answers in a way that cannot be correctly analyzed. The data files used for secondary analysis may be obsolete, which makes them unsuitable for the current research project. For example, the researcher could not write a contribution on today's political climate using data collected in 1980. Also, the original research may not be strictly performed and may have uncontrolled distortion.

Many public agencies regularly collect data that can be used for secondary research. The United States Census Office provides social and population data every ten years with interim data collection in stainless years. The Federal Office for Investigation (FBI) collects every year information about crimes and punishment. Other agencies such as Food and Drug Administration (FDA), Ministry of StaThe Labor and Bureau of Land Management, and collects data respectively for the populations they serve. This data is available for free use or for a nominal fee.

private companies and universities are also considered good sources of existing data for secondary research. The Pew Research Center and Gallop & Reg are companies that collect and sell public opinion data. Many university professors collect data for research projects and can make their data files available for secondary research. This data can be free or very expensive depending on the size of the data file and the source.

Many Internet search engines and websites collect user behavior data. This is sometimes sold to explore the market for secondary analysis or targeted advertising. In this way, many people are involved in research projects without realizing it. Users can view the Personal Data Protection Policy if they are afraidru data.