Secondary data, values and ethics

secondary data, values and ethics.

secondary data

secondary data is collected by other people, both quantitative and qualitative. it has equal status to primary data.

extraction- taking statistics or examples

content analysis- qualitative for the meanings and themes.

semiotics- the study of signs and symbols via life documents especially. 

advantages

all sociological research starts with a literature search of all previous research.

recostruct something historical

sometimes primary reserach is impossible.

disadvantages

sources are created for a reason which can cause bias.

private organisations are self-interested, life documents are often very one-sided, historical sources are…