Primary and Secondary Data

• Primary-

  Original Data, collected specifically for a purpose or investigation.
• First hand from the ppts.
• Can be obtained through questionnaires etc.
• Secondary Data-

  Data which already exists as someone else has already collected it other than the researcher.
• This exists before the experiment.
• Example:

  Journal articles
• Strength for Primary-

  Obtained for purpose of investigation which means it is useful for the study.
• Weakness for Primary-

  Requires time and effort.

  Researcher has to construct methods to obtain the data.
• Strength for Secondary-

  Inexpensive and often easily accessible meaning minimal effort. Variation in quality of Secondary Data.
• Weakness for Secondary-

  Researcher has not collected it themselves may be methodological flaws.

  May not be suitable to the investigation, conclusions drawn may therefore lack validity.