Question

Which of the following statements about data collection is not true?

A.	Secondary data was originally collected for another purpose

B.	Primary data tends to be easily collectible.

C.	The cost to collect primary data is typically high relative to the cost to collect secondary data.

D.	It typically takes less time to obtain information through secondary data vs. primary data.

E.	All of these statements about data collection are true.

Answer 1

The correct answer is option E.

Primary data are the original data obtained by the researcher from the primary sources and are created during the time of research. Example of primary data sources are interviews, speeches etc. So the data obtained from these sources are primary data. Secondary data are the data that are obtained by interpreting and drawing conclusion from primary data. Example of secondary data sources are textbooks, encyclopedias, etc.

The important difference between primary and secondary research are: -

• The data for primary research are collected by the researcher whereas the data for secondary research are collected by someone else.
• The important benefits of primary data are that it is specific to the individual's needs and can be controlled easily whereas secondary data is too old and does not meet the individual's need.
• Primary data are used to conduct primary research where the research is new and is carried out to find the solution for specific question or problem. Secondary data are used to conduct secondary research that use previous research information that was carried out for different purpose.
• Primary data provide original and unique information whereas secondary data in not original.
• Primary data are the type of qualitative data whereas secondary data are the type of quantitative data.
• Primary data are more reliable than secondary data.
• More time is consumed to obtain primary data whereas less time is consumed to obtain secondary data.
• Primary data can solve the problem more effectively as compared to secondary data.
• Obtaining primary data is a costly method whereas obtaining secondary data is economical.