Secondary Data for Qualitative Research
The data those have been collected already and readily available from other sources are called as secondary data. When compared to primary data, these secondary data are cheaper and more quickly obtainable. Usually, desk-based research is used to collect qualitative secondary data collection. After arriving at the secondary data collection, the researcher should examine the validity and reliability. Thus, the researcher should consider the secondary data which is highly valid and well-referenced in academic articles (Creswell, 2003).
Types of secondary data
Secondary data is categorised into internal (from the organization which is under observation) data which is routinely supplied by management and external (from outside the organization) data which is obtained from various sources such as internet, journals, books, directories, Non-governmental statistical data, and Census data. This process is known as secondary qualitative data collection.
Figure 1. Types of Secondary data (Source: http://www.ilo.org)
Based on the suggestions of Bryman (1989); Dale et al., (1988); Hakim, (1982 ) the secondary data is also classified into documentary data, survey based data and multiple source secondary data.
Documentary data in Secondary Qualitative Research
Written documents like notices, correspondence, minutes of meetings, reports to shareholders, diaries, transcripts of speeches and administrative and public records will come under this category. Non-written documents such as Tape and video recordings, pictures, drawings, films and television programmes, DVD/CD can also be considered as documentary secondary data.
Survey-based secondary data
The data collected by questionnaires that have already been analyzed for their original purpose are called survey-based secondary data. They can be from:
- Censuses
- Continuous/regular surveys
- Ad hoc surveys
This approach falls under secondary qualitative data collection methods as it uses structured surveys already available for reuse.
Multiple-source secondary data
Multiple-source secondary data can be from either documentary or survey data, or it could be the combination of these data. These data can be used in cohort studies done for the same population over a period of time and also to develop area-based data sets.
Sources of secondary data
- Reports from central, state or local government
- Reports from international firms and foreign governments
- Journals, magazines and books
- Publications from research scholars, universities and research groups — are the major sources of secondary qualitative data collection (Dash, 2011).
Uses of secondary data in Research
Although all data is intended to provide information for analysis and decision making, secondary qualitative data collection services can be useful to:
- Identify the research problem
- Develop a strategy to arrive at the solutions for the research problem
- Construct a sampling plan
- Formulate a suitable research design
- Find out the answers for certain research questions or to test some hypotheses
- Interpret primary data
- Validate the outcomes from qualitative research
- Identify the potential problems
- Obtain the required background information and to improve the credibility of the study
It can be applied both in qualitative secondary data research and quantitative secondary data research depending on the study design.
Evaluation of secondary data
The researcher has to view the secondary data with the same caution as he does with any primary data. He has to check whether he could access the data and the available secondary data could support him to arrive at the research objectives. Based on the following criteria the researcher should evaluate the expert secondary qualitative data collection resources (Stewart, 1984).
Methodology
It is necessary to evaluate the secondary data based on the methodology through which it has been collected (Stewart, 1984). Hence, the researcher has to evaluate the factors like sampling procedure, size of sample, rate of response, field work procedures and data analysis methods.
Error/accuracy
Accuracy of the data from the secondary resource should be assessed by the researcher in order to make sure about the trustworthiness of his study. However, the specifications as well as the methodologies won’t be given in detail to the researcher. As a result, it is often very tough to assess the accuracy of secondary data. However, the researcher could check the accuracy through triangulation research.
Date of data collection
As the secondary data is associated with the events those have already happened, it is usually outdated. Therefore, the researcher has to consider the date of data collection, the time span between data collection and publication, and the relevancy of the data in relation to the prevailing situations. In the case of census data, the date of data collection is the most important issue as it is conducted once in a few years.
Purpose, Nature, and Dependability of Data
Secondary data is, by definition, information gathered with a different goal or purpose. The researcher must assess the secondary qualitative research for policy studies and the content, accuracy, credibility, and reliability of data. Government reports are generally more credible than commercial sources.
Advantages and Disadvantages of Secondary Data
Researchers (Boslaugh, 2007) have observed the following advantages with secondary qualitative data collection for market research:
- Less resource requirements
- Inconspicuous method
- Applicable for longitudinal studies
- Comparative and contextual data can be obtained
- Lead to unforeseen discoveries
- Durability of data
Disadvantages: The purpose for which the data is collected may not match the objectives of the researcher. Sometimes, it may be very difficult to get access to the data.
Factors Affecting Selection of Research Methods
The research methodology adopted by the researcher has extreme influence over the success of the study. Hence, he should be very careful while selecting the research methodology. Qualitative secondary research solutions support effective decision-making by considering validity, reliability, generalizability, objectives, expertise, budget, time, availability, and ethical considerations
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Our Secondary Qualitative Research Solutions
Healthcare Research
Our secondary qualitative data gathering service for healthcare research enables you better understand evidence-based decision-making by analyzing patient information, published studies, and clinical information.
Social Sciences Research
Our social science qualitative secondary research services help researchers and researchers comprehend social behavior and trends based on the use of pre-existing databases.
Market Research
We offer qualitative secondary data collection for market research purposes by providing insights regarding consumer behavior, product performance, and market trends.
Policy Research
We conduct qualitative secondary analysis of existing research and reports for government agencies and not-for-profits attempting to inform their decision-making.
How We Work
- Data Sourcing: Locate credible sources of qualitative data for your investigation.
- Data Analysis: Collect and organize the secondary data you’ve collected from several different data sources.
- Reporting: Produce visual representations and strategic recommendations based on your findings.
- Consultation: Assist others in your team with understanding and/or researching qualitative information.
Benefits of Outsourcing Secondary Qualitative Data Collection
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