Design thinking resource
The purposeful use of existing information to build background knowledge, answer questions and inform further investigation.
Secondary research draws on information that has already been collected rather than generating original data. It can provide background, supplement primary findings and help a team refine its research question.
A strong secondary-research process gives people access to established knowledge while making gaps, disagreements and emerging issues easier to identify.
Methods focus on finding, reviewing and comparing sources such as academic literature, online databases, government reports, statistics, news coverage, media and archives.
The sources selected should suit the question. Researchers must consider credibility, relevance, publication date, methodology, perspective and the context in which the information was produced.
Existing information becomes useful when it is synthesised rather than simply collected. Themes, patterns and contradictions should be compared across sources and related to the specific challenge.
Secondary research may answer part of the question directly or show where interviews, observation and other primary methods are still required.
Put the method to work
Review existing studies to understand knowledge, debates and gaps surrounding a topic.
Use resources such as JSTOR, ProQuest and Google Scholar to locate academic articles and books.
Examine published demographic, economic, health and other public statistics.
Investigate current events, public discussion and emerging trends while checking perspective and reliability.
Use letters, diaries and historical records to understand past events, cultures and experiences.
Why it matters
Build an informed account of the issue before deciding what new research is needed.
Use existing evidence and identified gaps to develop a more focused inquiry.
Compare direct research findings with broader patterns, history and established knowledge.
Avoid repeating work unnecessarily and direct resources toward unanswered questions.
Continue exploring
Place this method back within the broader 5E Design Thinking Framework and continue developing your understanding.