Research Methodology Primary Data and Secondary Data

Question: Discuss about theResearch Methodologyfor Primary Data and Secondary Data. Answer: Importance of Secondary Data when conducting a Research In a research project, two types of data can be used primary data and secondary data. Merriam and Tisdell (2015) stated that the type of data depends on the variables of the research. In case of this particular research, the variables are students performance and co curricular involvement. In order to research on the relationship between these two variables, the secondary data has been used because this research required the existing students records of the colleges and schools. Apart from that, there are many other advantages, which the study has achieved by using the secondary data. The importance of using secondary data is as follows: As secondary data are the existing data, it is easily available in different sources. Bryman and Bell (2015) mentioned that the easy and simple accessibility makes secondary data important to the researchers. For example, in this particular study, the data related to the percentage of scores of the students, who have taken part in the co curricular activities is essential and this data is easily available in the track records of the schools and colleges. Therefore, by taking the permission from appropriate authority, this data can be easily accessed. Vlachopoulos et al. (2015) mentioned that the time-saving capacity of secondary data has increased its importance in the field of research. In support of this, Merriam and Tisdell (2015) added that in this modern era, when internet facility is available at everywhere, the secondary data can be gathered very quickly. For example, in order to collect the data regarding the students track record for this research, it is not mandatory to go to the schools and colleges. The track records of the students are easily available at websites of the college or school. Therefore, the data can be quickly gathered from the internet sources. Using secondary data is also important because the researchers can save their money and researched resources appropriately. As secondary data are easily available in the books, journals and websites, it can be gathered at minimum cost (West, Sakshaug Aurelien, 2016). The secondary data can be gathered from the library or websites. Therefore, secondary data provides the scope of research to the researchers, who have limited financial capacity. For example, for this particular research, if it is important to go to the college or school, then also the place is specific and so no extra money needs to be spent for travelling here and there. Minimum level of biasness has increased the importance of secondary data more. Vlachopoulos et al. (2015) stated that the secondary data are generally available in the sources, which are previously approved by the appropriate authority. Therefore, the chances of including biased data are less if the secondary data is used in the research. For example, for this research, the track records of the students have been used and that has been collected from the colleges and it is obvious that the track records of the students are approved by the college or school authorities. Therefore, it can be said that for this particular research, the secondary data is the most appropriate. Reference List: Bryman, A., Bell, E. (2015).Business research methods. Oxford University Press, USA. Merriam, S. B., Tisdell, E. J. (2015).Qualitative research: A guide to design and implementation. John Wiley Sons. Vlachopoulos, C., Xaplanteris, P., Aboyans, V., Brodmann, M., Cfkov, R., Cosentino, F., ... Lekakis, J. (2015). The role of vascular biomarkers for primary and secondary prevention. A position paper from the European Society of Cardiology Working Group on peripheral circulation: endorsed by the Association for Research into Arterial Structure and Physiology (ARTERY) Society.Atherosclerosis,241(2), 507-532. West, B. T., Sakshaug, J. W., Aurelien, G. A. S. (2016). How Big of a Problem is Analytic Error in Secondary Analyses of Survey Data?.PloS one,11(6), e0158120.