Which of the following is a characteristic of secondary research?

Secondary research is characterized by its reliance on existing information that has already been collected and published by others. This type of research taps into materials such as books, articles, reports, and studies that have been documented prior to the research being conducted. By using these sources, researchers can gather data without needing to engage in direct experimentation or observation.

This approach allows researchers to build upon previously established knowledge, saving time and resources while still acquiring valuable insights and information relevant to their own studies. Because secondary research uses data that has already been analyzed, it can also provide a broader context for understanding a topic.

In contrast, other options highlight aspects of research that do not align with the definition of secondary research. Hands-on testing, personalized research conduction, and first-person observations are all hallmarks of primary research, which involves original data collection directly by the researcher. Thus, the defining feature of secondary research is its foundation on published accounts created by others.