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Secondary Data Analysis
Overview
What Is Secondary Data Analysis?Use of data that was collected by individuals other than the investigator. This includes newspapers, census data, maps, etc. Secondary data analysis is often a starting point for other social science research methods.
Credit: NOAA CSC Social Science Methods for Marine Protected Areas Managers
General Considerations
ApplicationOftentimes, information and data managers need in order to make an informed decision have already been collected. A manager may want to find out particular aspects of the changing human environment in order to identify and manage areas of concern. Secondary data analysis including census reports, government reports, scientific papers, aerial maps, business and industry reports, on-line Web sites, and other secondary data can assist in developing conclusions that will help in decision making.
Strengths and Limitations
Strengths
- Captures comprehensive and historical information
- Uses existing information
- Web-based materials and search engines are readily available
- Information may be incomplete, obsolete, inconclusive, or inaccurate
- Data limited to what already exists
 Rapid Evaluation of Proposed Marine Conservation District in St. John, U.S. Virgin Islands Assessing the perceptions of user groups through content analysis and observation. |
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 MPA Perceptions by Small-Scale Fishermen in Sicily, ItalyUsing questionnaires to assess the perceptions of small-scale fishermen toward marine reserves. |
Expertise Needed
This technique can usually be conducted with in-house expertise. Some assistance may be needed in locating data sources and analyzing complex data sets.
Contact Information
Please email partner@hd.gov for a list of partners who have expertise in secondary data analysis.
Resources
Sources and Uses of Secondary DataThis reference site from Glasgow Caledonian University highlights some types of sources and uses for secondary data research.