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What is the Primary Data? What are the Advantages and Disadvantages of Primary Data Over Secondary Data?
By BYJU'S Exam Prep
Updated on: September 25th, 2023
Primary data denotes the data collected first-hand by the investigator through questionnaires, interviews, case studies and observations. It is fresh data that the investigator or researcher can trust as it was collected by them. However, there are both advantages and disadvantages of primary data. Keep reading to find out.
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Answer:
Primary data is the data that is collected first-hand by the researcher
Furthermore, primary data can also be called raw data or score collected from a source. It is collected for a specific purpose by the researcher himself using original sources. The two main techniques to gather primary data are questioning and observation.
Advantages of Primary data
- The biggest advantage of using primary data is that it is up-to-date and fresh as the researcher has collected it for specific research. In contrast, secondary data might have become outdated and not fit for use anymore.
- Secondly, the researcher can trust the authenticity of primary data as they have collected it themselves, which is not the case with secondary data. Hence, primary data is more reliable.
- Lastly, a researcher or investigator has higher control over primary data as they can decide how the data is collected.
Disadvantages of Primary data
Perhaps the biggest disadvantage of primary data is that it is time-consuming and can even be expensive. On the other hand, you can search for secondary data quickly without spending much money as it is easily available for free.
Summary:
What is the Primary Data? What are the Advantages and Disadvantages of Primary Data Over Secondary Data?
Primary data is the data that the researcher has collected first-hand for a specific purpose through sources like questionnaires, interviews, and observation. It is beneficial because primary data is fresh, authentic and relevant, whereas secondary data might be outdated and less credible. However, primary data requires time and money, which is the biggest disadvantage.
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