7 Evaluating internal and external secondary data

Secondary data can be immensely helpful by giving you access to detailed information that would cost a great deal of time and money if you were to undertake the primary research yourself. However, you will need to take care as there are some important issues to be considered in how the data you’ve collected is interpreted and used.

As you collect the secondary data that is relevant to your work issue, it is important to bear in mind that you are not just collecting data that backs up your research goals. Be mindful that you should be gathering information that also challenges your thinking and helps you to develop and refine your project questions.