Secondary Research

Secondary research is using research that has already been made, like surveys and questionnaires (after they have been filled), books, the internet, libraries and other sources. Like primary research, secondary can also come in quantitative and qualitative versions.
There are companies like B.A.R.B who are a primary research company who sell secondary research to those who want it.

The advantages of Secondary research are:

  • The information is already there.
  • Cheaper than primary research.
  • You can choose which of the information you want.
  • It is quick and easy to obtain.

The disadvantages of Secondary research are:

  • You are limited to the research that is there.
  • It might not be as accurate as collecting the information yourself and might be bias.

This research is useful for:

  • Finding out what has previously been successful and what hasn't.
  • Finding patterns in what people like and dislike.

Example of usage of secondary research:

  • A TV company using a research site like the Broadcasters Audience Research Board (B.A.R.B) to compare the popularity of their shows vs other companies' shows.

Example of a book, a secondary research example