Question

how would you rely on primary or secondary research? How would you gather data for this report?

Answer 1

Answer:

Primary research is a type of research that requires the researcher to participate directly in the data-gathering process. In primary research, the researcher does not depend on already existing data, rather he or she collects first-hand information which serves as research materials for the systematic investigation.

This type of research gives the researcher absolute ownership of the data which is extremely important for businesses and organisations in fast-paced markets. These organisations utilise primary research to gather valuable information about consumer needs and preferences before launching a new product or service.

Usually, primary research focuses on the specific needs of the research contexts. However, this type of research is expensive, time-consuming and it usually requires a lot of skilled resources that may not be readily available and this is why many businesses outsource this to 3rd party market research companies.

What is Secondary Research?

Secondary research is a type of research approach in which the researcher relies solely on existing research materials rather than gather data directly for research. This research approach is less expensive and time-efficient unlike primary research..

Data for secondary research can be accessed from the internet, archive, libraries, educational institutions and organisational reports. However, extra care must be taken by the researcher to ensure that the data is valid as this can have a negative impact on the research process and outcomes.

Differences Between Primary and Secondary Research

Definition

Primary research is a research approach that involves gathering data directly while secondary research is a research approach that involves relying on already existing data when carrying out a systematic investigation.

This means that in primary research, the researcher is directly involved in the data collection and categorization process. In secondary research, on the other hand, the researcher simply depends on existing materials for the research without any need to collect raw information from the field.

Sources of Data

Surveys, interviews, focus groups and observation techniques are common sources of data in primary research. In secondary research, the researcher collects existing research materials through a number of sources like the internet, libraries and archives.

These data collection methods require some sort of interaction with the research subjects in order to gather first-hand information that will be useful in the research. Many times,secondary sources are free to access but some of them will require you to pay an access fee before you can make use of the information

Answer 2

Primary and Secondary Research

• When conducting primary research, the researcher must actively take part in the data collection process.
• In the primary research, the researcher gathers first-hand information to use as study materials for the methodical examination rather than relying on previously collected data.
• Secondary research is a form of research methodology in which the researcher does not personally collect data for the study but instead entirely relies on previously published research materials.
• This form of study is less expensive and time-consuming than primary research.
• Primary research frequently uses surveys, interviews, focus groups, and observation methods as data sources.
• Through a variety of resources, including the internet, libraries, and archives, the researcher gathers pre-existing research materials for secondary research.

What Situations Call for Primary and Secondary Research?

• When an individual or organization needs to collect current data that is helpful for a particular research setting, primary or field research is typically conducted.
• Organizations frequently use primary research techniques to learn about the evolving demands of their target audiences.
• On the other hand, secondary research can be used when a researcher needs to find existing information that can offer helpful context for their own research.
• With this knowledge, the researcher can pinpoint the information gaps that will serve as the focus of his or her investigation.