SECONDARY RESEARCH Meaning and
Definition
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Secondary research is a method of gathering information that involves using existing sources of data and information to answer research questions or investigate a specific topic. It is a crucial component of any research project as it helps in the exploration and understanding of the existing knowledge and findings related to the research topic.
In a dictionary context, secondary research can be defined as the process of analysing and synthesizing pre-existing data and information from various sources such as books, journals, government reports, articles, websites, and databases. This type of research does not involve directly collecting data or conducting experiments but rather involves reviewing and analyzing data that has been previously collected by others.
Secondary research is characterized by the examination and interpretation of primary sources of data that are relevant to the research topic. These primary sources could include surveys, interviews, experiments, or observations conducted by other researchers or organizations for their own research purposes.
The main purpose of conducting secondary research is to gather and summarize existing knowledge, identify gaps in the current understanding of a topic, and build upon previous research findings. It provides researchers with a foundation to develop hypotheses, formulate research questions, and design future research studies.
Secondary research is often considered more cost-effective and less time-consuming compared to primary research, as it utilizes data that has already been collected and is readily available. However, it is important to critically evaluate the quality and credibility of the sources used in secondary research to ensure accuracy and reliability of the findings.
Etymology of SECONDARY RESEARCH
The etymology of the phrase "secondary research" can be understood by examining the origin of its individual components:
1. Secondary:
The term "secondary" comes from the Latin word "secundarius", derived from "secundus", which means "following" or "subsequent". In the context of research, it refers to information that is derived from primary sources and is not obtained through first-hand investigation.
2. Research:
The word "research" originates from the Middle French word "recherche", which means "search" or "inquiry". It further traces its roots back to the Old French term "recercher", derived from the Latin word "re-", indicating "intensive action", and "cercare", meaning "to search".
