What does extant data refer to?

Extant data refers to existing records and reports that have already been collected or documented for purposes other than the current research or analysis. This type of data can come from various sources, including historical studies, previous assessments, databases, and organizational records. Utilizing extant data allows instructional designers and researchers to leverage previously gathered information, saving time and resources while providing a foundation for making evidence-based decisions.

In contrast, newly created research data refers to information that has been recently generated for a specific study or project, which does not fall under the category of extant data. Personal observations from instructors are subjective experiences that may not be systematically recorded, and while they can provide valuable insights, they are not classified as extant data. Lastly, data generated from live training sessions involves new information collected during active training environments, which again does not align with the definition of extant data, as it refers to data that already exists prior to the current inquiry.