Secondary information is information that is already available, and is useful for purely desk-based research or for initial analysis. Sometimes this is all that is needed and there is no requirement to instigate primary research and collect additional information. Secondary information has the value that it is relatively cheap to obtain in most cases and is available for analysis in a very short timescale (sometimes immediately). Official information sources on the labour market, such as the claimant count based unemployment rate, are good examples of secondary information.
There are, however, a number of drawbacks to secondary information:
When using secondary information from official sources, it is a worthwhile investment of time to examine the vagaries of the data source, to understand exactly what is collected and how it is collected. For unofficial secondary information (such as previous research) there are greater pitfalls. Poor specification, unfocused research, bad design, incorrect sampling techniques, insufficient data entry checks and improper analysis leading to invalid conclusions are some of the possible drawbacks. Using research or information provided by others can have benefits in providing time and costs savings and this is important particularly where resources are scarce: however it is incumbent upon the user to ensure that the secondary information used is fit for purpose.
Despite these concerns, there is much valuable research that can be used. Signs of good quality research include a statement of research aims, review of available information, evidence of consideration given to design and collection techniques, data validity checks, proper analysis, valid conclusions which follow logically from this analysis and ethical approaches to confidentiality and disclosure. Reputation and relevant qualifications/experience are also important in considering such sources, although it is fair to say that much good research is done by those who cannot lay claim to these attributes.
There is a wide range of useful secondary information available, which is of a good standard and which is adequate for most research purposes. Although this information is rarely ideally what local researchers are looking for, a composite picture from across a range of such sources can be constructed which provides valuable insights. It is only after this avenue has been fully explored that primary research should be considered.
Primary research should not be undertaken lightly. For primary research to have any value, it must be properly designed, undertaken diligently and adequately resourced. These can place considerable burdens on those seeking to undertake such research.
Last Updated: March 2001