Secondary Data
Tips for Collecting, Reviewing, and Analyzing Secondary Data
WHAT IS SECONDARY DATA REVIEW AND ANALYSIS?
Secondary data analysis can be literally defined as second-hand analysis. It is the analysis of data or information that was either gathered by someone else (e.g., researchers, institutions, other NGOs, etc.) or for some other purpose than the one currently being considered, or often a combination of the two (Cnossen 1997).
If secondary research and data analysis is undertaken with care and diligence, it can provide a cost-effective way of gaining a broader understanding of specific phenomena and/or conducting preliminary needs assessments.
Secondary data are also helpful in designing subsequent primary research and, as well, can provide a baseline with which to compare your primary data collection results. Therefore, it is always wise to begin any research activity with a review of the secondary data (Novak 1996).
RESEARCH DESIGN AND PURPOSE
Secondary data analysis and review involves collecting and analyzing a vast array of information. To help you stay focused, your first step should be to develop a statement of purpose – a detailed definition of the purpose of your research – and a research design.
Statement of Purpose: Having a well-defined purpose – a clear understanding of why you are collecting the data and of what kind of data you want to collect, analyze, and better understand – will help you remain focused and prevent you from becoming overwhelmed with the volume of data.
Research Design: A research design is a step-by-step plan that guides data collection and analysis. In the case of secondary data reviews it might simply be an outline of what you want
the final report to look like, a list of the types of data that you need to collect, and a preliminary list of data sources.
WHAT TYPES OF DATA AND/OR INFORMATION ARE NEEDED?
The specific types of information and/or data needed to conduct a secondary analysis will
WHAT IS SECONDARY DATA REVIEW AND ANALYSIS?
Secondary data analysis can be literally defined as second-hand analysis. It is the analysis of data or information that was either gathered by someone else (e.g., researchers, institutions, other NGOs, etc.) or for some other purpose than the one currently being considered, or often a combination of the two (Cnossen 1997).
If secondary research and data analysis is undertaken with care and diligence, it can provide a cost-effective way of gaining a broader understanding of specific phenomena and/or conducting preliminary needs assessments.
Secondary data are also helpful in designing subsequent primary research and, as well, can provide a baseline with which to compare your primary data collection results. Therefore, it is always wise to begin any research activity with a review of the secondary data (Novak 1996).
RESEARCH DESIGN AND PURPOSE
Secondary data analysis and review involves collecting and analyzing a vast array of information. To help you stay focused, your first step should be to develop a statement of purpose – a detailed definition of the purpose of your research – and a research design.
Statement of Purpose: Having a well-defined purpose – a clear understanding of why you are collecting the data and of what kind of data you want to collect, analyze, and better understand – will help you remain focused and prevent you from becoming overwhelmed with the volume of data.
Research Design: A research design is a step-by-step plan that guides data collection and analysis. In the case of secondary data reviews it might simply be an outline of what you want
the final report to look like, a list of the types of data that you need to collect, and a preliminary list of data sources.
WHAT TYPES OF DATA AND/OR INFORMATION ARE NEEDED?
The specific types of information and/or data needed to conduct a secondary analysis will