CAFS Research Methods Complete Practice Test 2025

The correct answer is secondary research, which involves analyzing data that has already been collected and published in previous studies. This research method is particularly valuable because it allows researchers to leverage existing knowledge without the need for new data collection. Secondary research can include various sources such as books, journal articles, reports, and other forms of data that offer insights into a given topic.

For instance, if a researcher is investigating a particular social phenomenon, they might review existing literature and studies that have already explored this phenomenon, gathering valuable insights and evidence from those findings.

Understanding the context in which secondary research is utilized is crucial. It typically serves as a foundational step in research, helping to identify gaps in existing knowledge, inform the direction of new studies, and provide a comprehensive background that shapes primary research efforts. By critically analyzing and synthesizing past studies, scholars can refine their hypotheses, improve study designs, and enhance the overall quality of their investigation.

This method contrasts with primary research, which involves gathering new data directly from sources through surveys, experiments, or interviews; qualitative analysis focuses on non-numerical data for understanding meanings and experiences; and field studies usually refer to gathering data directly in real-world settings for direct observation or real-time interaction.