Secondary information, /ˈsɛkəndəri ˌɪnfərˈmeɪʃən/, is any type of data that has been collected by someone else and used in a research project. The word "secondary" is spelled with the letter "c" and not the letter "s" because it comes from the Latin word "secundarius". The letter "c" in Latin was used to represent the "k" sound. The word "information" is spelled with an "m" in the second syllable because it comes from the Latin word "informatio," which is spelled the same way.
Secondary information refers to data that has been gathered and interpreted by someone other than the original source. It refers to the utilization of already existing data, rather than conducting one's own research. Secondary information is derived from a variety of sources such as books, articles, reports, websites, and other published or unpublished materials. It is often used to complement or support primary research by providing additional context or evidence.
This type of information is collected by individuals or organizations with expertise in a particular field and is typically published in a format that is accessible to the general public or specific target audience. Secondary information is commonly employed in research, academic studies, market analysis, and decision-making processes.
The use of secondary information offers numerous advantages, including time and cost efficiency, as it eliminates the need for primary research which can be time-consuming and expensive. Additionally, secondary information provides a broader perspective by encompassing a larger pool of data from diverse sources and viewpoints.
However, it is important to critically evaluate secondary information for its reliability, relevance, and accuracy as its credibility can vary. The context in which the information was collected, the qualifications and reputation of the source, and the date of publication are important factors to consider when determining the usefulness and validity of secondary information.
The word "secondary" comes from the Latin word "secundarius", which means "following" or "subordinate". It is derived from the Latin word "secundus", meaning "second" or "next".
The term "information" originates from the Latin word "informatio", which means "concept", "idea", or "representation". It is derived from the verb "informare", which combines "in-" (meaning "into") and "formare" (meaning "to form").
When these two words are combined, they form the phrase "secondary information", which refers to data or knowledge that is derived from or dependent on primary sources or primary information. It implies that this information is not original or firsthand but is instead derived from other sources.