Which term refers to data that has already been collected by others and is available for use?

The term that describes data that has already been collected by others and is available for use is secondary research. This type of research utilizes existing information, which might come from various sources such as academic journals, statistics published by government agencies, and previous studies. By analyzing data that is already available, businesses and researchers can save time and resources as they do not need to conduct their own data collection.

In contrast, primary research refers to the collection of original data directly from sources, such as surveys or interviews, which requires more time and investment. Market analysis typically involves assessing various aspects of the marketplace, but it does not specifically address the data collection process. Field research is another term often associated with the collection of original data, often through direct observation or interaction in real-world settings, which again distinguishes it from utilizing pre-existing information. Thus, secondary research is the appropriate term for data that is readily available from previous research efforts.