Secondary Data: References Saunders Et Al., Chapter 7
Secondary Data: References Saunders Et Al., Chapter 7
References
Saunders et al., Chapter 7
Introduction
Pre-existing data not gathered for purposes of the current research
3. Survey data
Government surveys and censuses (continuous); surveys by
international bodies
Advantages
• Resource implications – usually easier to gather than primary data
• Unobtrusive – already collected
• Longitudinal study may be possible
• Quality and permanence of data – eg. government surveys
Disadvantages
• Suitability
• Cost and access – may still be difficult in spite of resource
advantages
• Validity of some secondary data (eg. Internet sources)
Suitability
The central problem of secondary data which, by definition, was not
gathered for purposes of the present research
Integration of secondary data with each other and with primary data
also an issue
Availability and Location
These are crucial issues given the amounts of existing secondary data.
Finding suitable data – knowing that it exists.
A considerable amount of ‘detective work’ often required.
Availability
• On-line indexes and catalogues, library searches, information
officers, lists of sources (eg. Saunders et al. p197-9)
• Your literature review may suggest the type of data already
gathered
• Importance of evaluating the source - dangers (in dissertation) of
being ‘led on’ by availability of some data, only to find it peters out
Location
• Often availability checks provide location
• Internet search tools, home pages, data sites and guides