Final answer:
Secondary data includes information from banking industry reports and transcripts from prior interviews about ATM features. These data sources are considered secondary because they were originally collected for different purposes and are nonreactive in nature. Directly conducted surveys or usage reports for this project would be primary data as they are specifically gathered for the bank's current research.
Step-by-step explanation:
In the context of a regional bank considering changes to its infrastructure, secondary data refers to information that has already been collected and is used for a purpose other than that for which it was originally intended. Regarding the data items listed for determination, options b (information from banking industry reports) and c (transcripts from one-on-one interviews the bank previously conducted about ATM features) would be classified as secondary data. Industry reports are typically compiled by others and do not require direct interaction by the current research team, making them an ideal example of secondary data. Similarly, transcripts from prior interviews also qualify as they were collected in the past and are now being utilized for a new analysis.
Data compiled through surveys specifically for the bank's purposes (option a) or direct reports on ATM usage at the bank's locations (option d), on the other hand, could be primary data, as they involve direct collection of information specific to the current research being undertaken.
Secondary data provides a nonreactive or unobtrusive research method, meaning it does not involve direct contact with subjects and will not influence people's behaviors, thus making it highly advantageous for certain research contexts. It allows researchers to analyze existing information with new interpretations without the additional time and cost associated with primary data collection.