What does secondary research primarily involve?

Secondary research primarily involves using secondhand research that already exists. This type of research consolidates data that has been previously collected and analyzed by other researchers or organizations. By tapping into existing studies, reports, articles, and statistics, secondary research allows businesses to gain insights without incurring the time and expense associated with primary research, which involves gathering new data directly from sources. This can include reviewing academic publications, industry reports, and market analyses to inform business decisions, strategy development, or understanding market trends.

Utilizing secondary research is an efficient way to leverage existing knowledge, thereby providing a foundation upon which further analysis or decision-making can be based. It is particularly valuable when trying to gain context or background on a particular subject without the need to conduct original data collection.