Data collection plays a very crucial role in the statistical analysis. In research, there are different methods used to gather information, all of which fall into two categories, i.e. primary data, and secondary data. As the name suggests, primary data is one which is collected for the first time by the researcher while secondary data is the data already collected or produced by others. There are many differences between primary and secondary data, which are discussed in this article. But the most important difference is that primary data is factual and original whereas secondary data is just the analysis and interpretation of the primary data.
Content: Primary Data Vs Secondary Data
Comparison Chart
| Basis for Comparison | Primary Data | Secondary Data |
|---|---|---|
| Meaning | Primary data refers to the first hand data gathered by the researcher himself. | Secondary data means data collected by someone else earlier. |
| Data | Real time data | Past data |
| Process | Very involved | Quick and easy |
| Source | Surveys, observations, experiments, questionnaire, personal interview, etc. | Government publications, websites, books, journal articles, internal records etc. |
| Cost effectiveness | Expensive | Economical |
| Collection time | Long | Short |
| Specific | Always specific to the researcher's needs. | May or may not be specific to the researcher's need. |
| Available in | Crude form | Refined form |
| Accuracy and Reliability | More | Relatively less |
Definition of Primary Data
Primary data is data originated for the first time by the researcher through direct efforts and experience, specifically for the purpose of addressing his research problem. Also known as the first hand or raw data. Primary data collection is quite expensive, as the research is conducted by the organization or agency itself, which requires resources like investment and manpower. The data collection is under direct control and supervision of the investigator.
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.
Definition of Secondary Data
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 organization, reports, books, journal articles, websites and so on.
Secondary data offer several advantages as it is easily available, saves time and cost of the researcher. But there are some disadvantages associated with this, as the data is gathered for the purposes other than the problem in mind, so the usefulness of the data may be limited in a number of ways like relevance and accuracy. Moreover, the objective and method adopted for acquiring data may not be suitable to the current situation. Therefore, before using secondary data, these factors should be kept in mind.
Key Differences Between Primary and Secondary Data
The fundamental differences between primary and secondary data are discussed in the following points:
- The term primary data refers to the data originated by the researcher for the first time. Secondary data is the already existing data, collected by the investigator agencies and organizations earlier.
- Primary data is a real-time data whereas secondary data is one which relates to the past.
- Primary data is collected for addressing the problem at hand while secondary data is collected for purposes other than problem at hand.
- Primary data collection is a very involved process. On the other hand, secondary data collection process is rapid and easy.
- Primary data collection sources include surveys, observations, experiments, questionnaire, personal interview, etc. On the contrary, secondary data collection sources are government publications, websites, books, journal articles, internal records etc.
- Primary data collection requires a large amount of resources like time, cost and manpower. Conversely, secondary data is relatively inexpensive and quickly available.
- Primary data is always specific to the researcher’s needs, and he controls the quality of research. In contrast, secondary data is neither specific to the researcher’s need, nor he has control over the data quality.
- Primary data is available in the raw form whereas secondary data is the refined form of primary data. It can also be said that secondary data is obtained when statistical methods are applied to the primary data.
- Data collected through primary sources are more reliable and accurate as compared to the secondary sources.
Conclusion
As can be seen from the above discussion that primary data is an original and unique data, which is directly collected by the researcher from a source according to his requirements. As opposed to secondary data which is easily accessible but are not pure as they have undergone through many statistical treatments.
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