Primary and Secondary Data

 

a.      Primary Data:

Primary data is data that is collected by a researcher from first-hand sources, using methods like surveys, interviews, or experiments. It is collected with the research project in mind, directly from primary sources. It is also known as the first hand or raw data.

The data can be collected through various methods like surveys, observations, physical testing, mailed questionnaires, questionnaire filled and sent by enumerators, personal interviews, telephonic interviews, focus groups, case studies, etc.

 

Some Advantages of using Primary data:

1.     The investigator collects data specific to the problem under study.

2.     There is no doubt about the quality of the data collected (for the investigator).

3.     If required, it may be possible to obtain additional data during the study period.

Some Disadvantages of using Primary data (for reluctant/ uninterested investigators):

1.     The investigator has to contend with all the hassles of data collection- 

• deciding why, what, how, when to collect
• getting the data collected (personally or through others)
• getting funding and dealing with funding agencies
• ethical considerations (consent, permissions, etc.)

2.   Ensuring the data collected is of a high standard-

• all desired data is obtained accurately, and in the format it is required in
• there is no fake/ cooked up data
• unnecessary/ useless data has not been included

2.     Cost of obtaining the data is often the major expense in studies

 

b.     Secondary Data

Secondary data is data gathered from studies, surveys, or experiments that have been run by other people or for other research. Secondary data implies second-hand information which is already collected and recorded by any person other than the user for a purpose, not relating to the current research problem. It is the readily available form of data collected from various sources like censuses, government publications, internal records of the organisation, reports, books, journal articles, websites and so on.

Some Advantages of using Secondary data:

1.     The data’s already there- no hassles of data collection

2.     It is less expensive

3.     The investigator is not personally responsible for the quality of data (“I didn’t do it”)

Some disadvantages of using Secondary data:

1.     The investigator cannot decide what is collected (if specific data about something is required, for instance).

2.     One can only hope that the data is of good quality

3.     Obtaining additional data (or even clarification) about something is not possible (most often)

PRIMARY DATA	SECONDARY DATA
Primary data refers to the first hand data gathered by the researcher himself.	Secondary data means data collected by someone else earlier.
It is Real time data.	It is Past data.
It’s process is slow and difficult.	It’s process is Quick and easy.
It’s source is Surveys, observations, experiments, questionnaire, personal interview, etc.	It’s source is Government publications, websites, books, journal articles, internal records etc.
It is Expensive.	It is Economical or cheap.
The collection is Long.	The collection is Short.
Always specific to the researcher's needs.	May or may not be specific to the researcher's need.
It is available in Crude form	It is available in Refined form
It is More accuracy and reliable.	It is Relatively less accuracy and reliable.

Some parts are adopted from: https://communitymedicine4all.com/2013/01/07/types-of-data-primary-and-secondary-data/