Secondary data refers to data that has already been collected by other parties for their own purposes. It includes data from government agencies, industry organizations, private companies, and other published or unpublished sources. Some key advantages of using secondary data are that the data already exists so there is no need for new collection, and it is generally less expensive than primary data collection. However, the researcher has less control over what data is collected and the quality cannot be verified directly. Common sources of secondary data include census records, market research reports, academic publications, and organizational records.

1. ◤
SECONDARY DATA

2. ◤
MEANING
Secondary data is the data that have been already collected by and
readily available from other sources.
Secondary data refer to the data that are gathered by a secondary
party other than the user himself.

3. ◤
EXAMPLES
External secondary data
Before we get to examples of secondary data, we first need to understand the types of
organizations that generally provide them. Frequent sources of secondary data include:
Government departments
Public sector organizations
Industry associations
Trade and industry bodies
Educational institutions
Private companies
Market research providers

4. ◤
Tax records and social security data
Census data (the U.S. Census Bureau is oft-referenced, as well as our favorite, the
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics)
Electoral statistics
Health records
Books, journals, or other print media
Social media monitoring, internet searches, and other online data
Sales figures or other reports from third-party companies
Libraries and electronic filing systems
App data, e.g. location data, GPS data, timestamp data, etc.

5. ◤
ADVANTAGES
• The data’s already there- no hassles of data collection.
• It is less expensive.
• The investigator is not personally responsible for the quality of
data (“I didn't COLLECTED).

6. ◤
DISADVANTAGES
• The investigator cannot decide what is collected (if specific data
about something is required, for instance).
• One can only hope that the data is of good quality.
• Obtaining additional data (or even clarification) about something is
not possible (most often).

7. ◤
SOURCES OF SECONDARY DATA
▪ PUBLISHED DATA
▪ UNPUBLISHED DATA

8. ◤
PUBLISHED DATA
Secondary data is usually gathered from the published (printed)
sources. A few major sources of published information are as
follows:
Published articles of local bodies, and central and state
governments, census records, etc

9. ◤
UNPUBLISHED SOURCES
Statistical data can be obtained from several unpublished
references. Some of the major unpublished sources from which
secondary data can be gathered are as follows
The research works conducted by teachers, professors, and
professionals
The records that are maintained by private and business
enterprises

10. ◤
How to Conduct Secondary Research?
1. Identify the topic of research: Before beginning secondary
research, identify the topic that needs research. Once that’s done,
list down the research attributes and its purpose.
2. Identify research sources: Next, narrow down on the information
sources that will provide most relevant data and information
applicable to your research.

11. ◤
3. Collect existing data: Once the data collection sources are
narrowed down, check for any previous data that is available which
is closely related to the topic. Data related to research can be
obtained from various sources like newspapers, public libraries,
government and non-government agencies etc.
4. Combine and compare: Once data is collected, combine and
compare the data for any duplication and assemble data into a
usable format. Make sure to collect data from authentic sources.
Incorrect data can hamper research severely

12. ◤
5. Analyze data: Analyze collected data and identify if all questions
are answered. If not, repeat the process if there is a need to delve
further into actionable insights.