What type of research uses existing data collected by others?

The correct answer is that secondary research is the type of research that utilizes existing data collected by others. This approach relies on analyzing and interpreting already available information, such as studies, reports, and datasets, rather than gathering new data firsthand. Secondary research can be particularly valuable as it allows researchers to leverage previously conducted work, saving time and resources. It often serves as a foundation for understanding a topic or identifying gaps that may require further investigation through primary research.

In contrast, primary research involves collecting new data directly from subjects or experiments, which is not aligned with the definition of secondary research. Field research is a subtype of primary research that involves data collection in real-world settings, such as interviews, observations, or surveys conducted directly in the environment of the subjects. Qualitative research focuses on understanding concepts, thoughts, and experiences and can be either primary or secondary, depending on the methodology used. Therefore, the defining characteristic of secondary research is its use of pre-existing data sources.