Question

What is primary and secondary data collection?

Answer 1

Primary Source of Data: The data that is collected by an investigator himself to carry out a specific research is known as primary data. Such data is collected by the investigator from the original source of information. It gives the investigator a first hand information relating to his study. For example, data regarding the fees charged by various private schools can be obtained by conducting a survey among students and asking the fees charged by their schools. Since the investigator himself collects the data according to its needs and requirements such primary sources of data forms a reliable and accurate source of data.

Secondary Source of Data: Under the secondary sources of data the information is collected from other sources that already posses the required information. Data collected from such sources is not original as they are not collected by the investigator himself rather by somebody else in the past. The secondary sources of data can be in published form or in unpublished form.

Answer 2

Answer:

Primary data is information collected through original or first-hand research. For example, surveys and focus group discussions. On the other hand, secondary data is information which has been collected in the past by someone else. For example, researching the internet, newspaper articles and company reports.