Final Answer:
Secondary data refers to information that has been previously collected by someone else for a purpose other than the current research. Four major sources of secondary data include published literature, government publications, organizational records, and digital sources.
Step-by-step explanation:
Published Literature: This encompasses books, academic journals, magazines, and other written materials available to the public. Researchers can extract valuable insights from existing knowledge in these sources, saving time and resources.
Government Publications: Government agencies generate a vast amount of data through censuses, surveys, and reports. Accessing official publications provides researchers with reliable and comprehensive information on various subjects, from demographics to economic indicators.
Organizational Records: Companies and institutions maintain records of their activities, transactions, and performance. Utilizing these records as secondary data allows researchers to analyze trends, patterns, and historical information without conducting primary research.
Digital Sources: With the advent of technology, a wealth of secondary data is available online. This includes databases, websites, and repositories that host information collected by others. Researchers can leverage this data for various studies.