Desk Research in Poland

Types of Research

Research can be broadly categorized into two main types: primary research and secondary research. Primary research involves collecting original data directly from sources through methods such as surveys, interviews, and focus groups. This type of research is tailored to specific needs and provides firsthand information that is highly relevant to the research question.

On the other hand, secondary research involves analyzing existing data that has already been collected by others. Desk research falls under this category, as it involves gathering and analyzing data from various secondary sources. By utilizing existing data, secondary research can save time and resources while still providing valuable insights. Both primary and secondary research have their unique advantages, and the choice between them depends on the specific requirements of the research project.

Methods for implementing desk research include various ways to collect and analyze available market information without conducting face-to-face surveys with users. Market analysis plays a crucial role in helping companies understand their target markets, customer preferences, and industry trends. Here are some example methods:

• Analysis of available industry reports and publications: you can collect data from available industry reports and publications, such as market reports, industry analysis, scientific reports, etc.
• Analysis of statistical data: you can use available statistical data, such as demographic data, sales data, labor market data, etc.
• Review of websites and industry portals: you can collect data from various websites and industry portals, such as those of manufacturers, distributors, industry organizations, etc.
• Analysis of newspaper articles: you can analyze newspaper articles posted in newspapers, magazines and the Internet to gain information about the market and its trends.
• Internet search: you can search for market information using search engines such as Google to gain a wide range of available information.
• Social media data analysis: you can collect and analyze data from social media such as Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, etc., to gain information about users’ opinions and preferences.

The methods for carrying out desk research are as follows: Searching databases: Various databases, such as industry, statistical or scientific databases, can be used to find the information needed. Unlike conducting primary research, desk research involves collecting and analyzing existing information. Reviewing documents and reports: You can also review various types of documents and reports, such as financial reports, market statistics or industry reports, to obtain information on an issue of interest. Analyzing data from the Internet: You can also use various sources available on the Internet, such as websites, online forums and social media to find the information you need. Literature research: You can also conduct literature research, that is, you can analyze the available scientific literature and review articles from scientific journals or books in the field. Data analysis from other sources: You can also use data available from other sources, such as data files from government offices or institutions or data collected by other companies or organizations.

Data collection is a crucial component of desk research, as the quality and reliability of the insights depend on the data sources used. Various sources can be tapped for desk research, including:

• Existing reports and publications
• Market research studies
• Industry reports
• Government statistics and data
• Online databases and websites
• Social media and online forums
• Academic journals and research papers

When collecting data, it is essential to evaluate the credibility and reliability of the sources. This can be done by checking the author’s credentials, the publication date, and the methodology used to collect the data. Ensuring that the data is relevant to the research question or topic is also critical.

Data analysis is the next vital step in desk research. It involves examining and interpreting the collected data to draw meaningful conclusions. Various data analysis techniques can be employed, including statistical analysis, content analysis, and thematic analysis. The choice of technique depends on the type of data and the research question. By effectively analyzing existing data, desk research can provide valuable insights that support decision-making processes in fields such as market research, business, and academia.