Sekundærforskning

Sekundærforskning, also known as secondary research, is a research method that involves gathering and analyzing information from existing sources rather than conducting new, original studies. This type of research relies on data and findings that have already been collected, published, or compiled by others. Common sources for sekundærforskning include academic journals, books, reports, government publications, websites, and industry databases.

The primary goal of sekundærforskning is to gain an understanding of a topic, identify trends, support existing theories, or inform the design of primary research. It is often a starting point for any research project, helping to define the scope of the investigation and identify gaps in current knowledge. Researchers can use sekundærforskning to review the literature, understand the historical context of a problem, or gather statistical data.

Advantages of sekundærforskning include its cost-effectiveness and the speed at which information can be gathered, as the data already exists. It can provide a broad overview of a subject and help to avoid duplication of effort. However, a key disadvantage is that the researcher has no control over the quality, accuracy, or relevance of the original data. The information may also be outdated or biased, depending on the source. Therefore, critical evaluation of secondary sources is crucial.