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Problem-Solving Course

Home Reading 2

SOURCES OF INFORMATION OR DATA SECONDARY DATA


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GROUP 4.09E9: T TH HOA O TH THY H NG V NG C MAI PH M TH QU NH NGA


Problem Solving - Sources of Data - Secondary Data

Outline
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I. II. III. IV. V. VI.

Definition and Importance of Secondary Data (2nd data) Advantages and Disadvantages of 2nd data Evaluation of 2nd data quality Sources of 2nd data Importance of referencing 2nd data sources. References
Problem Solving - Sources of Data - Secondary Data

I. Definition and importance of 2nd data


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y Secondary data is data collected from a source

that has already been published in any form. y Secondary data is generated by means of primary data gathering techniques. One person or entity's primary data become another person or entity's secondary data.

Problem Solving - Sources of Data - Secondary Data

Problem Solving - Sources of Data - Secondary Data

The importance of 2nd data


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y 2nd data is gathered before primary data. The research

of 2nd data acts as prerequisite to primary research. Because:




2nd data: useful to find out what is already known about a subject before you go in to your own investigation. Some of your questions can possibly have been already answered by other investigators or authors.
Problem Solving - Sources of Data - Secondary Data

2nd : is helpful in designing subsequent primary research, provide a baseline with which to compare your primary data collection results.  Sometimes, it is difficult to obtain primary data getting information from 2nd sources is easier and possible.  Sometimes, primary data does not exist in such situation confine the research on secondary data.


It is always wise to begin any research activity with a view of the 2nd data. (The review of literature in research is based on 2nd data)
Problem Solving - Sources of Data - Secondary Data

Advantages

Disadvantages

Collecting 2nd data can be carried out 7Comparing with primary data, 2nd rather quickly when compared to data are imperfect reflections of reality. formal primary data collection. 2nd data informs and complements primary data collection, saving time and resources often associated with over-collecting primary data. The person reviewing the secondary data can easily become overwhelmed by the volume of 2nd data available, if selectivity is not exercised.

2nd data helps to make primary data It is often difficult to determine the collection more specific since with quality of some of the data in the help of 2nd data, we are able to question. make out what are the gaps and what additional information needs to be collected. It helps to improve understanding of the problem.
Problem Solving - Sources of Data - Secondary Data

the The goals and purposes of the original researcher can potentially bias the study.

III. Evaluation of the 2nd data


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Questions to evaluate quality of your 2nd data in terms of accuracy, reliability and relevance.

 What is the original purposes of the data?  What are the sources credentials/the authors of the information?  What methods were used?  Is the information current or out-ofdate?  Is the documents coverage of the topic area broad or too narrow?  Is it a primary or 2nd source? If it is a secondary source, does it accurately cover and report on the primary sources?  Does the author provide references for data and information reported? Problem Solving - Sources of Data - Secondary  . . . . . .
Data

IV. Sources of 2nd data


4.1 Published Printed Sources
There are variety of published printed sources whose credibility depends on many factors.
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Books:
- Available - The use of book starts before even you have selected the topic After selection of topics books provide insight on how much work has already been done on the same topic and how can prepare your literature review. - Books are the most authentic secondary source.
Problem Solving - Sources of Data - Secondary Data

Journals / periodicals:
- They are become more10 important as far as data

collection is concerned. - Provide up-to-date information - Give information on the very specific topic.

Problem Solving - Sources of Data - Secondary Data

Magazines/Newspapers:
- Magazines are also effective but not very reliable. - Newspapers are more reliable. In some cases the information
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can only be obtained from newspapers as in the case of some political studies.

Problem Solving - Sources of Data - Secondary Data

4.2 Published Electronic Sources:


Internet is becoming more advance, fast and reachable 12 to the mass. Much information which is not available on printed form is available on internet.

E-journals: more commonly available than printed


journals. Latest journals, however, are difficult to retrieve without subscription.

Problem Solving - Sources of Data - Secondary Data

General

Websites:

generally websites do not 13 contain very reliable information check before quoting from.

becoming common. They are actually written by different people. These diaries are as reliable to use as personal written diaries.
Problem Solving - Sources of Data - Secondary Data

Weblogs:

4.3 Unpublished Personal Records:


Some unpublished data may also be useful in some 14 cases. Diaries are personal records and are rarely available but they might be very useful if you conducting a descriptive research. Letters: Letters like diaries are also rich source but should be checked for their reliability before using them.

Problem Solving - Sources of Data - Secondary Data

4.4 Government Records:


Are very important for marketing, 15 management, humanities and social science research. Census Data/ population statistics Health records Educational institutes records

Problem Solving - Sources of Data - Secondary Data

4.5 Public Sector Records.


NGOs survey data (nongovernment organization) 16 Other private companies records.

Problem Solving - Sources of Data - Secondary Data

V. The importance of properly referencing your secondary data review.


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2nd data review and analysis is a form of research and data compilation that is demanding and timeconsuming; however, without proper citation (i.e., author, date, title) of materials that you used, your work will often be disregarded as it will only have limited use by those who wish to follow in your footsteps.  A well-documented 2nd data review and analysis allows for easier use of the material by other interested parties.  Properly citing the publication date of the sources you used will allow subsequent researchers to use your Problem Solving - Sources of Data - Secondary Data work to make comparisons over time and between


Conclusion
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y 2nd data can be a valuable source of information for

gaining knowledge and insight into a broad range of issues and phenomena. Reviewing secondary data can provide a effective way of addressing issues, understanding the problems. y It complements, but does not replace, primary data collection and should be the starting place for any research

Problem Solving - Sources of Data - Secondary Data

IV. References
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y http://gulnazahmad.hubpages.com/hub/-Primary-

and-Secondary-Data y http://www.fao.org/docrep/W3241E/w3241e03.htm y http://pqdl.care.org/Practice/DME%20%20Tips%20for%20Collecting,%20Reviewing%20a nd%20Analyzing%20Secondary%20Data.pdf y http://www.slideshare.net/gulsweet/primary-datasecondary-data-presentation

Problem Solving - Sources of Data - Secondary Data

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