research instruments for secondary data

Secondary data refers to information that has been collected, processed, and published by someone else, rather than the researcher gathering the data firsthand. This can include data from sources such as government publications, academic journals, market research reports, and other existing datasets.

Secondary research is a very common research method, used in lieu of collecting your own primary data. It is often used in research designs or as a way to start your research process if you plan to conduct primary research later on.

Secondary research, also known as desk research, is a research method that involves compiling existing data sourced from a variety of channels. This includes internal sources (e.g.in-house research) or, more commonly, external sources (such as government statistics, organizational bodies, and the internet).

In secondary data analysis (SDA) studies, investigators use data collected by other researchers to address different questions. Like primary data researchers, SDA investigators must be knowledgeable about their research area to identify datasets that are a good fit for an SDA.

Secondary data has various uses in research, business, and statistics. Researchers choose secondary data for different reasons, with some of it being due to price, availability, or even needs of the research. Although old, secondary data may be the only source of data in some cases.

This article aims to provide a comprehensive source for data collection methods including defining the data collection process and discussing the main types of data.

Secondary data collection: To analyze data from populations that you can’t access first-hand. Find existing datasets that have already been collected, from sources such as government agencies or research organizations.

On this page: What is secondary data? How to collect data? Popular and hidden ways to collect internal data. Best free online sources and methods to gather external data. Infographics in PDF. What is Secondary Data? Why Secondary Data For Your Research?

Learn how to conduct efficient and effective secondary research for your dissertation with our comprehensive step-by-step guide. Master research skills, identify credible sources, employ advanced search strategies, and integrate secondary data with primary research for a robust dissertation.

While secondary data analysis of quantitative data has become commonplace and encouraged across disciplines, the practice of secondary data analysis with qualitative data has met more criticism and concerns regarding potential methodological and ethical problems.