Knowledge creation and the use of secondary data.

Area of Science:

• Health Research Methods
• Data Analysis
• Survey Methodology

Background:

• Questionnaire-based surveys are widely used by researchers but face challenges.
• Low response rates and non-response bias in surveys can compromise data reliability and validity.
• These limitations can hinder effective knowledge creation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To highlight the limitations of bespoke questionnaire-based surveys.
• To advocate for the use of secondary data as a viable alternative research strategy.
• To demonstrate the practical application of secondary data analysis.

Main Methods:

• Discussion of the merits and drawbacks of questionnaire-based research.
• Argument for the utility and efficiency of utilizing secondary data sources.
• Presentation of a case study using the Scottish Health Survey data.

Main Results:

• Secondary data from official surveys can address research questions effectively.
• The Scottish Health Survey serves as a valuable secondary data resource.
• Using existing datasets can overcome challenges associated with primary data collection.

Conclusions:

• Researchers can utilize pre-existing data from official surveys instead of creating new questionnaires.
• Secondary data analysis offers an efficient and meaningful approach for student research and dissertations.
• Clinical practitioners should consider secondary data analysis for quantitative research training and practice.