Final answer:
In marketing research, 'secondary research' refers to the analysis of data collected for an unrelated purpose to the current problem, in contrast to primary research, which is data collected specifically for the current investigative question.
Step-by-step explanation:
With regard to marketing research, the term that refers to information already collected for some other purpose than the current problem is known as secondary research. This contrasts with primary research, which is the original data collected to solve the current problem. Secondary research includes analyzing data that has been collected by other researchers or organizations. This can include studying historical works, examining through periodicals, and other types of previously published data.
Additionally, secondary data is nonreactive; it does not involve direct contact with subjects and therefore doesn't influence people's behaviors, unlike some primary research methods like surveys and interviews. Sociologists, marketers, and other researchers may opt to analyze secondary data for a variety of reasons, including time savings, cost-effectiveness, and access to information that would be otherwise unavailable.