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1.2.2.2 Secondary Research

The life of a researcher or a scholar can be seen as a
great relay race, with each generation passing the baton
Builds on of knowledge to the next. Secondary research allows us to
predecessors' receive the fruits of our predecessors' efforts, so we may carry
knowledge learning further still. Just as the redwood tree finds strength
by interlocking its roots with others, the roots of human
understanding grow deeper as we incorporate the discoveries
of fellow seekers of truth. Standing on the shoulders of giants
enables us to see farther.

The Secondary researcher is like a weaver at a loom,
stitching together different threads of past wisdom into a grand
tapestry. Connecting old ideas sheds new light. Studying how
different parts relate to each other shows the complex beauty
of the whole. Reviewing conclusions refines the shape of
knowledge. This avoids repeating others’ efforts. The scholar
Build, connect, distils books into essence. Discerning what matters frees her
advance
to explore new trails. No explorer scorns past pioneers' hard-
won gifts. Their collected treasures guide us higher up to
wisdom's peak. Standing on their shoulders, we lift the next
wave of seekers. Each generation passes the torch so that all
may see farther. Our roots intertwine, spreading knowledge's
branches. The relay continues, but each stretch brings us
closer to understanding life's mysteries.

Sources of Secondary Research and Examples:
Researchers can find secondary data from various sources:

a. Academic Peer-Reviewed Journals: These journals
publish original research undertaken by authors
and researchers. In Literature, scholars can perform
systematic reviews of literary criticism on a specific
topic.

b. Published Books and Articles: Include books often
for reference and primary-source materials with
analysis from the author. In History, researchers can

Data sources utilise existing works to analyse past events.
c. Government Agencies: Many government agencies
maintain archives or databases of documents and
reports, providing data for research. In Sociology,
government reports could be used to study population
trends and social issues.

d. Educational Institutions: Colleges and universities
conduct extensive research and produce data that can
be utilized in various fields of study.

SGOU - SLM - Foundational Skills for Research and Writing 33