Question

Difference between primary unit and secondary unit?

Answer 1

Difference between Primary and Secondary data:

Sequence of Primary and Secondary Data

Timing of Primary and Secondary Data

Source

Primary data are from interviews, questionnaires, experiments, observations, and similar methods. However, secondary data are from already printed or recorded sources such as censuses, government/organizational records, articles, books, websites, journals, and the like.

Duration

Primary data is generally collected longer as the information is still being uncovered and verified. On the contrary, secondary data is from already substantiated sources.

Effort

As compared to secondary data, primary data require more effort as the facts still need to go through several validation procedures.

Expenses

Most likely, primary data entails more expenses as it requires a longer period of time as well as additional efforts.

Relevance of Primary and Secondary Data

Primary data is collected due to the specific needs of the researcher whereas secondary data may or may not be that relevant.

Form

As primary data is first-hand, it is generally obtainable in its rudimentary form while secondary data is available in its already refined form.

Time-Sensitive

As compared to primary data, secondary data may not be appropriate for time-sensitive topics since previously collected information may not reflect current situations. Thus, primary data is more beneficial for issues which are only applicable or observed for a certain time.

Coverage

Since the primary investigator can only examine crude data at a certain time, secondary data has a wider coverage as it may include research from various authors at differing times.



Validity and Reliability of Primary and Secondary Data

Secondary data is more valid and reliable since it has already been re-examined and many of them have established their credibility by being published or promoted. On the other hand, primary data may still need to go through authentication and consistency verification processes.

References

Secondary data tend to have more references as it employs a substantiation of different documents from a number of sources. On the other hand, primary data is largely from the original investigator.

Preliminary Work

In collecting primary data, much preliminary work such as background information, looking for respondents, and specification of locale still needs to be done. In the case of secondary data, the initial tasks have already been completed and the available materials are already sorted and reviewed.