What type of data refers to information that has already been collected?

Archival data refers to information that has already been collected and is often stored for later analysis. This type of data is essential for researchers and professionals looking to identify trends over time, conduct historical comparisons, or evaluate the effectiveness of past programs without the costs and efforts associated with collecting new data. Archival data can come from various sources, including government reports, previously conducted studies, or data repositories, making it a valuable resource for research and evaluation efforts.

Other types of data serve different purposes: primary data is newly collected information specific to a study, survey data is a form of primary data derived from questionnaires or interviews, and qualitative data is a category of data that is descriptive and exploratory rather than numerical, often sourced from interviews or focus groups.