Teaching secondary data analysis

Brookfield, Charlotte ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-7798-9756 2025. Teaching secondary data analysis. Foster, Liam, Mason, Will and Nichols, Kitty, eds. Teaching Research Methods in Sociology, Elgar Guides to Teaching, Cheltenham: Elgar, pp. 206-223. (10.4337/9781035320226.00024)

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Abstract

This chapter introduces secondary data analysis and specifically advocates the benefits of using existing data in sociological research. The large samples typically associated with pre-existing data and the ability to make comparisons both geographically and temporally allow students to research a range of different social issues on a much bigger scale and to showcase more advanced statistical analysis. The chapter outlines three key activities to guide students on this journey. The first is focused on explaining the differences between primary and secondary sources of data, laying the foundation for understanding the unique attributes of secondary data analysis. The second encourages students to think critically about sources of secondary data. This critical evaluation ensures the selection of high-quality, appropriate data for research. The final task involves students registering for the UK Data Service in order to help them access a wealth of different data sources for their own research projects.

Item Type:	Book Section
Date Type:	Publication
Status:	Published
Schools:	Schools > Social Sciences (Includes Criminology and Education)
Publisher:	Elgar
ISBN:	9781035320226
Last Modified:	18 Feb 2026 10:30
URI:	https://orca.cardiff.ac.uk/id/eprint/184955

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