Secondary data has the obvious benefit of being already existing information that has been gathered. This can instantly cut down on cost for a research project on assuming the relevant information can be obtained easily. Information can be gathered using databases that have already been established. These can be through organisations or commercial business that would have had to carry out the research initially and would have the results stored on databases for public viewing. These will be kept in a computerised database and can cover a wide variety of subjects; the best place to find them would be in the library.
Government agencies are exceptionally good for this, especially for demographic data, special industry reports and employment data; you can also gather census information and historical information. Other sources of secondary data can be periodicals, specialist marketing reports, industry magazines, Chamber of Commerce, Government statistic and Trade associations.
There are limitations of secondary data. The relevance refers to just how well the information sourced fits the research. The data collected may cover the topic you need but it may not fit the requirements of the particular problem. Secondary data can be vague and ambiguous and may not have enough content to help evidence findings.
The actual information gathered could possibly be inaccurate and time will have to be taken to double check the source, this can be time consuming. The data must also be checked to make sure it is not redundant information and dated.
The company, and this could include a government body or particular department, may not be very reputable which could undermine your work. Even if you do manage to strike lucky with getting all the other issues ironed out, there may not be insufficient data to cover the complete requirements of the research and assist in informing its development.
Government agencies are exceptionally good for this, especially for demographic data, special industry reports and employment data; you can also gather census information and historical information. Other sources of secondary data can be periodicals, specialist marketing reports, industry magazines, Chamber of Commerce, Government statistic and Trade associations.
There are limitations of secondary data. The relevance refers to just how well the information sourced fits the research. The data collected may cover the topic you need but it may not fit the requirements of the particular problem. Secondary data can be vague and ambiguous and may not have enough content to help evidence findings.
The actual information gathered could possibly be inaccurate and time will have to be taken to double check the source, this can be time consuming. The data must also be checked to make sure it is not redundant information and dated.
The company, and this could include a government body or particular department, may not be very reputable which could undermine your work. Even if you do manage to strike lucky with getting all the other issues ironed out, there may not be insufficient data to cover the complete requirements of the research and assist in informing its development.
