Primary & Secondary Data

• What is primary data?

  Data collected firsthand by a researcher
• Why does a researcher collect primary data?

  To test their own hypothesis
• How does the researcher benefit from collecting primary data?

  They ensure focus on specific research issues
• What is a weakness of primary data collection?

  It costs more time and money to gather
• What is secondary data?

  Data not personally collected by the researcher
• What are some sources of secondary data?

  Newspaper articles, books, official documents
• What is a strength of using secondary data?

  It takes less time and money to gather
• What is a weakness of secondary data?

  Researcher cannot ensure sound research methods
• What are the strengths and weaknesses of primary and secondary data?

  Primary Data:

  • Strength: Focused on specific research issues
  • Weakness: More time and money required

  
  

  Secondary Data:

  • Strength: Less time and money needed
  • Weakness: Uncertainty about research methods used