SECONDARY RESEARCH METHODS

Question 1

Government Publications

Answer 1

They are documents produced by the government that provide official records of government activities and cover a wide variety of topics.

Question 2

Advantages of Government Publications

Answer 2

• Reliable + Official + Credible Data
• Useful statistical information on a wide range of activities.
• Up to date since the data is collected on an ongoing basis.
• Provide details about any changes in government policy

Question 3

Disadvantages of Government Publications

Answer 3

• Bias
• Limited Access
• Can be complex to understand

Question 4

Market Analyses

Answer 4

Commercial publications or market intelligent reports that gather data about specific markets

Question 5

Advantages of Market Analyses

Answer 5

Information provided is accurate and recent as it is carried out by specialist research agents

Question 6

Disadvantages of Market Analyses

Answer 6

Obtaining information this way can be costly as some organizations charge a lot for this service.

Question 7

Online Content

Answer 7

Gathering info from the internet or websites

Question 8

Advantages of Online Content

Answer 8

• Quick + Easy Access
• Many websites provide up to date news and information about current events, trends and interesting topics.

Question 9

Disadvantages of Online Content

Answer 9

• Info can be inaccurate, biased or outdated because anyone can publish on the web
• Limited amount of scholarly research

Question 10

Academic Journals

Answer 10

Scholarly Articles written by experts

Question 11

Advantages of Academic Journals

Answer 11

• They are checked by academics and other experts, making them more reliable.
• Good sources for when a firm needs original research on a topic.

Question 12

Disadvantages of Academic Journals

Answer 12

• Very specific information. Not the best source if the business is looking for general interest topics.

Question 13

Media Articles

Answer 13

Texts written and submitted for publication

Question 14

Advantages of Media Articles

Answer 14

• Newspapers are a cheaper way of communication
• Most serious newspapers have been well researched written using reliable resources and edited for accuracy.
• Provide multiple points of view
• Info on both current + historical events

Question 15

Disadvantages of Media Articles

Answer 15

• Can be biased depending on the organization that owns them
• Lack of depth, provide a broad overview of a topic
• Outdated information

Question 16

What is Secondary Research?

Answer 16

It is also known as ‘desk research’. It is the collection of second hand information from the market, it involes analyzing data that already exists in some form.