Q: Is it necessary to describe the sampling technique and sample size when I'm dealing with secondary data in my research?

Hello Amani – Welcome to the forum!

So, even if you are undertaking secondary research, you should ensure that the study you are using is relatable to your own study, in terms of the properties of the population, timescales, and other attributes. Briefly providing information about the sample properties and sampling techniques of the quoted secondary research will help convince readers of your paper that the study was relevant to your own and that the methodology used in the other study was robust to testing and valid even today (for example, if the study was conducted some time ago or in a different country). The sampling method will be influenced by the type of research that was conducted, and describing this will enable readers to verify for themselves whether the secondary research you are relying on is suitable for being used in your research.

Hope that helps. For more insights on secondary data/research, you may find it worthwhile to refer to the following resources:

• What is the importance of using unpublished data as a secondary data source?
• What are the limitations of secondary data collection?
• Secondary research – the basics of narrative reviews, systematic reviews, and meta-analysis

All the best for your research!