Which of the following best describes secondary data?

The best description of secondary data is that it refers to data that has previously been collected by others. Secondary data is typically used when researchers want to analyze existing information rather than gathering new data themselves. This type of data can come from a variety of sources, such as published studies, official statistics, datasets from previous research, or archival records.

Using secondary data can be particularly advantageous as it allows researchers to save time and resources, avoid the challenges associated with primary data collection, and leverage a broader scope of information that might not be feasible to gather first-hand. It's essential to note that secondary data may not always be current or specific to the researcher's particular focus, but it remains invaluable for various types of analyses and can provide insights that researchers might have otherwise overlooked.