Secondary Research

Secondary research builds upon existing data and information. It is sometimes called a "literature review" or "desktop study", and it may involve the following.

Finding Information

Secondary research involves searching for relevant articles, papers, reports, data sources, etc.

This used to involve lots of manual searching through the shelves of libraries and library catalogues, but now library indexes can be searched via a computer, and the World Wide Web can be searched via a search engine and other online tools. In the modern world, a key research skill is knowing how to use a search engine effectively, particularly Google search. In addition to the powerful capabilities of Google's advanced search there is also a book search (e.g. science methodology) and an academic/research search (Google Scholar).

Questions:

• • What other search engines are there?

  • What other online resources help you to find information?

  • How do you know when you have got enough information, from enough studies and/or reports?

Referencing

Referencing the sources of information and data used is considered good practice.

Questions:

• • Why should we reference sources of information?

  • What are the different types of referencing systems (formats / notations)?

Validating

Validating claims from publications is a key part of the research process. Validation can be done by:

• • comparing results and conclusions across multiple sources

  • considering the integrity/reputation of the authors

  • assessing the rigour of the experiments/studies; and

  • cross referencing materials to the relevant theories and background information.

Extracting Knowledge

To extract relevant knowledge from publications the reviewer needs to both understand the research brief, its topic, and the publication. The ability to do this effectively depends on appropriate knowledge of the topic, and the skill of analysing and extracting information. Both of these abilities are developed with time and practice.

Interpreting Meaning

Again, the ability to do this effectively depends on appropriate knowledge of the topic, and the skill of analysing information; and determining what this means within the context of the research brief. This may require more intellect in the form of: thinking for yourself; thinking outside the box; and understanding what is required. It may also mean that during the research process you explore additional topics as a result of your interim findings.

Summarising and Reporting

The product of secondary research is a report that summarises, and references, relevant knowledge. The secondary research may be used to validate an existing claim, validate a theory, or apply existing knowledge to a (new) specific context.

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