In the field of research, secondary research refers to the analysis of existing data, information, and literature that has already been collected and published by others. This type of research involves gathering information from sources such as journals, books, articles, and other publications, as opposed to collecting new data through experiments or surveys. Secondary research is typically used to build on or validate existing knowledge, identify trends or patterns, or provide context for primary research findings. It can be a valuable tool for informing new studies, developing theories, or gaining a deeper understanding of a particular topic.