7.2.4 Discussing the use of secondary data and official statistics

• Official statistics are a type of secondary
• Secondary data is directly collected by the researcher for their study

  False
• What is an example of a government publication used as secondary data?

  Census data
• Researchers must evaluate the reliability and relevance of secondary data


  True
• The source of official statistics is government and official agencies
• The origin of secondary data is not relevant when assessing its suitability for research

  False
• A key disadvantage of secondary data is the lack of researcher control
• Official statistics are always free from political bias

  False
• What is a limitation of official statistics regarding their timeliness?

  Time lag between collection and publication
• What is secondary data defined as?

  Data collected by others
• Researchers must evaluate the reliability and relevance of secondary data.


  True
• Secondary data is often cost-effective because it reduces the need for original data collection.
• Official statistics are always free from bias.

  False
• Reliability refers to the consistency of measurement.
• Validity refers to the accuracy of measurement.
• Match the concept with its description:

  Reliability ↔️ Consistency of measurement

  Validity ↔️ Accuracy of measurement
• What must researchers ensure regarding consent and privacy when using secondary data?

  Original data was collected ethically
• Why is evaluating potential harm necessary when reusing secondary data?

  Protect original participants
• Official statistics are a type of secondary data.
• Match the data type with its source:

  Secondary data ↔️ Academic journals

  Official statistics ↔️ Government agencies
• What is a common example of a government publication used as a source of secondary data?

  Census data
• Researchers must evaluate the reliability and relevance of secondary data.
• Why are official statistics considered reliable in research?

  Collected by government agencies
• Match the advantage of official statistics with its description:

  Reliability ↔️ Collected by government agencies

  Accessibility ↔️ Available through websites

  Comparability ↔️ Standardized methods

  Comprehensiveness ↔️ Large, representative samples
• What is the primary advantage of using official statistics in research?

  Reliability
• Official statistics are always timely and up-to-date.

  False
• What are examples of official statistics?

  Census data, crime statistics
• Reliability in secondary data refers to the consistency of measurement.


  True
• Match the issue with its type:

  Inconsistencies in data collection methods ↔️ Common reliability issue

  Bias in data collection ↔️ Common validity issue
• When using secondary data, it is essential to ensure the data was collected with proper consent and privacy protection
• What type of data do researchers use to analyze trends in poverty rates?

  Government census data
• What are two types of data often utilized in sociological research?

  Secondary data and official statistics
• What type of statistics are used to study crime patterns?

  Official statistics
• Using secondary data in research is cost-effective because it eliminates the need for original data collection.


  True
• When using secondary data, researchers must evaluate its reliability, which refers to the consistency and stability of the data
• Government publications are a common source of secondary data.
• What is an example of data found in government publications?

  Census data
• What is a disadvantage of using secondary data?

  Lack of control
• Political bias is a potential disadvantage of using official statistics.
• What is a key difference between secondary data and official statistics?

  Purpose of collection