Desk research
Also called: desk research
Desk research is research that is literally conducted from behind a desk. Existing and factual information is used. This can come from within the organization (such as records) and from secondary sources. External information can be obtained freely (thanks to search engines, CBS and other public sources) as well as through paid channels.
The Internet has become an essential medium here, as it both makes information accessible from an inexhaustible number of sources and enables companies and institutions to take measurements within their own Web sites and other online (sales) channels.
The opposite of desk research is field research, or field research. Desk research can be conducted in addition to a field study. However, often only desk research is chosen to take place, for example due to cost considerations or limited time.
An example of desk research is a quick scan.
