Primary and Secondary Data
1. Primary Data
The data collected by the investigator from primary sources for the first time from scratch is known as primary data. This data is collected directly from the source of origin. It is real-time data and is always specific to the researcher’s needs. The primary data is available in raw form. The investigator has to spend a long time period in the collection of primary data and hence is expensive also. However, the accuracy and reliability of primary data are more than the secondary data. Some examples of sources for the collection of primary data are observations, surveys, experiments, personal interviews, questionnaires, etc.
2. Secondary Data
The data already in existence which has been previously collected by someone else for other purposes is known as secondary data. It does not include any real-time data as the research has already been done on that information. However, the cost of collecting secondary data is less. As the data has already been collected in the past, it can be found in refined form. The accuracy and reliability of secondary data are relatively less than the primary data. The chances of finding the exact information or data specific to the researcher’s needs are less. However, the time required to collect secondary data is short and hence is a quick and easy process. Some examples of sources for the collection of secondary data are books, journals, internal records, government records, articles, websites, government publications, etc.
Sources of Data Collection | Primary and Secondary Sources
Data Collection refers to the systematic process of gathering, measuring, and analyzing information from various sources to get a complete and accurate picture of an area of interest. Different sources of data collection include Primary Sources and Secondary Sources.
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