1. Using secondary data

2. Aims of the session
To explore the types of secondary data and challenges with it’s use
To examine how a researcher might assess the usefulness of secondary data
To assess the relevance of examples of secondary/government data sources to your own research study.

3. Secondary data is…..
Data that someone else has collected for a purpose other than the present research.
For example:
Previous research
Administrative records
Census information
Government reports
Sometimes know as desk research

4. Other terms……
Raw data Direct surveys or interviews Processed data Data that has been compiled or analysed in some way Meta-analysis A quantitative combination of statistical information from multiple studies

5. Types of secondary data
Written materials School records, reports, meeting minutes, s, books/journals, newspapers, diaries Non-written materials TV/radio programmes, video/films, artefacts Survey data Census data, government data reports, school/college surveys, adhoc feedback

6. What are the benefits and challenges of using secondary data?

7. Benefits of using secondary data
Large data sets
Efficient in terms of time/resources
Longitudinal - same data has been collected from the same population over several different time periods. This allows researchers to look at trends and changes of phenomena over time.
Data collection process is often guided by expertise and professionalism that may not be available to individual researchers or small research projects.

8. Challenges of using secondary data
Locating and accessing the data
Establishing the methods used
Authenticating the sources
Assessing credibility and suitability
Gauging how representative they are
Selecting methods to interpret them
Devise a checklist of questions to ask yourself for 3-5

9. Possible checklist: Authenticating the sources
What is the reputation of the organisation supplying the data?
Is this officially published data?
Assessing credibility and suitability
What methods were used to collect the data?
Sample size and sampling methods?
Questionnaire design?...bias?...leading questions?
Who funded the research / data collection?
Does the organisation have a vested interest in the results?
Date of the data?
Which elements are relevant /suitable for my research?

10. Possible checklist: Gauging how representative they are
What was the response rate?
Who responded – representative sample?
Any likely sources of error?
In what context was the data collected?
Have data collection methods remained constant over time?
Is the data valid to compare to education in the UK?

11. The ethics of using secondary data?
Do I need consent from the original participants to use secondary data?
Generally not if the results are in the public domain See the following link for more information: ey.ac.uk/SRU56.pd f

12. What is big data? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c4BwefH5 Ve8
Scaled up accumulation of data
Scaled up processing of data as technology has developed
These processes are used together to gain better incites into trends, patterns etc
What big data might be available for Education and schools and how might it be used?

13. Assessing the usefulness of secondary data
Objectives / research questions for your research study
Secondary data
Source
URL or location
Usefulness to your research

14. Sources of national secondary data for education
Gov.uk
Statistics gateway, Dept for Education, BIS
Dept for Education
Joseph Rowntree Foundation
Others?
Explore these websites to find relevant data for your research study

15. Session Review What secondary data might you use? Why?
For more information on Primary and Secondary sources view the following:
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