What is the difference between primary and secondary data?

Primary data refers to information that is collected firsthand for a specific research study. This type of data is original and specific to the researcher's needs, which means it is tailored to answer a particular research question. It is gathered through methods such as surveys, interviews, experiments, and direct observations, allowing researchers to obtain the most accurate and relevant information directly from the source.

On the other hand, secondary data consists of information that has already been collected by someone else and is available for analysis. This form of data includes reports, studies, statistics, and any other research that was conducted previously. While secondary data can offer valuable insights, it may not always be tailored to the specific needs of a new study, as it was collected for different purposes.

Recognizing the distinction between these types of data is vital in research, as selecting the appropriate data type impacts the reliability, validity, and applicability of the findings.