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Secondary Data

The document outlines the types of secondary data, including documentary, survey, and multiple sources, and discusses the process of locating and evaluating this data. It highlights the advantages and disadvantages of using secondary data, emphasizing the need for assessing suitability, reliability, and measurement validity. Additionally, it advises on evaluating costs and benefits in comparison to alternative data sources while adhering to research project regulations.

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anusha.gilani
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7 views17 pages

Secondary Data

The document outlines the types of secondary data, including documentary, survey, and multiple sources, and discusses the process of locating and evaluating this data. It highlights the advantages and disadvantages of using secondary data, emphasizing the need for assessing suitability, reliability, and measurement validity. Additionally, it advises on evaluating costs and benefits in comparison to alternative data sources while adhering to research project regulations.

Uploaded by

anusha.gilani
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PPTX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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BUSINESS

RESEARCH
METHODS
Secondary Data
Types of secondary data

◦Documentary – written and non-written

◦Surveys – subtypes include:


censuses, regular and ad hoc
Types of secondary data
Multiple – source secondary data
◦Documentary, survey, or an amalgam of both

◦Times series for longitudinal studies

◦Cohort studies

◦Area-based data sets


Locating secondary data
Finding the data - a two stage process

1. Establishing that the required secondary data is available

2. Locating the precise data required


Availability of secondary data
Sources

◦References in publications (books, journal articles)

◦Within organisations (unpublished sources)

◦Tertiary literature –
( indexes and catalogues in archives or online)
Availability of secondary data
Finding secondary data

◦References in published guides

◦Data held by organisations

◦Data on the Internet


Evaluating secondary data
Advantages

◦ Fewer resource requirements

◦ Longitudinal studies may be feasible

◦ Provision of comparative and contextual data

◦ Unforeseen discoveries may occur

◦ Generally permanent and available


Evaluating secondary data
Disadvantages

◦Purpose of data collection may not match the research needs

◦Access may be difficult or costly

◦Aggregations and definitions may be unsuitable

◦No real control over data quality

◦Initial purpose may affect data presentation


Evaluating secondary data
Ensure that data sources

◦Enable the research question(s) to be answered

◦Enable research objectives to be met

◦Have greater benefits than their associated costs

◦Allow access for research


Evaluating secondary data
Evaluating potential secondary data sources
Suitability of secondary data
Overall suitability

◦Precise suitability, including reliability and validity


- assessment of collection methods
- clear explanation of collection techniques

◦Measurement validity
Suitability of secondary data

◦Coverage and unmeasured variables


- ensure exclusion of unwanted data
- ensure sufficient data remain for analysis

◦Costs and benefits


Summary
◦ Secondary data consists of three main types - documentary, survey and multiple
sources

◦ The data can be used in a variety of ways

◦ Secondary data may be less current and collected for a purpose that does not match
your research question(s)

◦ Secondary data needs to be located and its availability established

◦ Data sources should be assessed for suitability, measurement validity and coverage
Summary
◦Evaluation of secondary data should include reliability and any
measurement bias

◦Costs and benefits of using secondary data should be evaluated and


compared with alternative sources

◦Although secondary data may contain some bias, it can help to answer your
research question

◦Remember to check the research project assessment regulations regarding


the use of secondary data
Thank you

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