Which research method uses data that has already been collected by another party?

The chosen answer is correct because secondary research specifically refers to the use of data that has already been collected and published by other parties. This method involves analyzing and interpreting existing information to derive new insights or conclusions, rather than gathering fresh data through methods such as surveys or experiments.

In the context of business management, secondary research is often more cost-effective and time-efficient than primary research, as it leverages the efforts and resources of others who have collected data for their own purposes. This might involve utilizing academic articles, market reports, databases, or other studies to inform decision-making or strategy development.

In contrast, primary research is focused on collecting new data directly from sources, while descriptive research is a broader category that can include both primary and secondary data aimed at describing characteristics of a population or phenomenon. Field research specifically refers to data collected in the natural environment where the subjects live or work. Each of these methods has its place in research, but secondary research distinctly utilizes existing data from external sources.