Secondary data analysis has become central to the research experience of many, if not the majority, of sociologists. The problem with this approach to research is the subtle, but powerful, message that is conveyed about the nature of the social world. Social existence is portrayed in an abstract and somewhat dehumanizing manner. Additionally, due to this social imagery, researchers are not encouraged to enter communities to conduct research. As a result, many methodological skills that used to be learned, almost by osmosis, are no longer emphasized during the research enterprise.
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