Which type of data consists of information that has already been collected by others?

Secondary data refers to information that has already been gathered and published by others. This type of data can include statistics, reports, or studies that were not specifically collected for the current research purpose but can be used to gain insights or context for a new analysis. Secondary data is often more cost-effective and quicker to obtain than primary data, which requires the original collection of new data through methods such as surveys or experiments. Overall, secondary data allows researchers and businesses to utilize existing knowledge, making it a valuable resource for decision-making and comparative analysis in various fields.