Which of the following is considered a secondary research source?

A secondary research source is one that compiles, summarizes, or analyzes data originally collected by others, rather than generating new data from direct observations or interactions. The US Department of Commerce is an example of a secondary research source because it provides a wealth of published statistics, reports, and analyses that have been prepared from previously collected data. This information can be used for various market studies without needing to gather the data first-hand.

In contrast, focus groups, observations, and personal interviews involve direct data collection from participants or subjects, categorizing them as primary research methods. Primary research is typically concerned with obtaining new information directly from sources or observations, thus differentiating it from the broader insights available through secondary sources such as government reports and academic publications.