ABSTRACT
In this chapter, discussions about the nature of qualitative secondary analysis (QSA) have been synthesised. In doing so, a comprehensive introduction to the epistemological and methodological aspects of using existing qualitative data for purposes different from the original research in social and education sciences has been provided. This chapter includes especially in-depth understanding of various QSA objectives and outcomes that relate to generating new knowledge, designing new inquiry, and generating methodological insights. Also, methodological and practical considerations and implications of employing QSA are discussed. QSA is presented as a systematic evaluative process and key conditions associated with existing qualitative data have been outlined. The importance of the quality and sufficiency of previously collected, qualitative data in selecting existing data for secondary analysis is considered in the discussion. This includes challenges for the use of existing data, particularly because QSA relies on data depth, breadth, completeness, and accuracy. The chapter ends with a summary and a roadmap of future directions for the use of previously collected, qualitative research data in research and educational contexts.
