What is secondary research?

Secondary research refers to the process of analyzing data that has already been collected and published by others. This can involve reviewing academic journals, industry reports, and statistics that provide insights into specific markets or consumer behaviors. By utilizing existing data, researchers can save time and resources while gaining valuable information that may not be feasible to gather independently.

Primary research, on the other hand, is concerned with the collection of original data specifically for a particular study, which is distinct from secondary research. Secondary research draws from previously published sources to inform decisions, validate findings, or provide context, making it a crucial step in the marketing analysis process.

In this regard, while online surveys may collect new data, they are not part of secondary research. Similarly, while some research initiatives may focus on new product development, this aspect is not a defining characteristic of secondary research itself; rather, it pertains to the nature of the research objective. The essence of secondary research lies in its reliance on existing data to draw insights and conclusions.