Meaning and Sources of Secondary Data

What is Secondary Data?

Secondary data refer to the data that are gathered by a secondary party other than the user himself. The common sources of the secondary data for social science include statements, the data collected by government agencies, organisational documents, and the data that are basically collected for other research objectives. However, primary data, by difference, are gathered by the investigator conducting the research.

Also Check: Difference Between Primary Data And Secondary Data

Sources of Secondary Data

Secondary data are basically second-hand pieces of information. These are not gathered from the source as the primary data. To put it in other words, the secondary data are those that are already collected. So, these are comparatively less reliable than the primary data. 

These are usually used when the time for the enquiry is compact and the exactness of the enquiry can be settled to an extent. However, the secondary data can be gathered from different sources which can be categorised into two categories. These are as follows:

1. Published sources

2. Unpublished sources

1. Published sources

Secondary data is usually gathered from the published (printed) sources. A few major sources of published information are as follows:

• Published articles of local bodies, and central and state governments
• Statistical synopses, census records, and other reports issued by the different departments of the government
• Official statements and publications of the foreign governments
• Publications and reports of chambers of commerce, financial institutions, trade associations, etc.
• Magazines, journals, and periodicals
• Publications of government organisations like the Central Statistical Organisation (CSO), National Sample Survey Organisation (NSSO)
• Reports presented by research scholars, bureaus , economists, etc.

2. Unpublished sources

Statistical data can be obtained from several unpublished references. Some of the major unpublished sources from which secondary data can be gathered are as follows:

• The research works conducted by teachers, professors, and professionals
• The records that are maintained by private and business enterprises
• Statistics maintained by different departments and agencies of the central and the state government, undertakings, corporations, etc.

Practice questions

The above-mentioned concept is for CBSE Class 11 Statistics for Economics – Meaning and Sources of Secondary Data. For solutions and study materials, visit our website or download the app for more information and the best learning experience.