What is the definition of primary data?

Primary data is information collected directly from first-hand sources for a specific research purpose.

Primary data is gathered through methods such as surveys, interviews, experiments, and observations. This type of data is original and has not been previously published or interpreted by others. For example, if you conduct a survey in your school to find out students' favourite subjects, the responses you collect are primary data.

One of the main advantages of primary data is its relevance and accuracy. Since you collect it yourself, you can ensure it directly addresses your research question. Additionally, primary data is up-to-date and specific to your needs, which makes it highly valuable for detailed analysis.

However, collecting primary data can be time-consuming and sometimes expensive. You need to design your data collection method carefully, ensure you have a representative sample, and often spend time gathering and analysing the information. Despite these challenges, primary data is crucial for obtaining precise and tailored insights, especially when existing data does not meet your requirements.

In summary, primary data is essential for conducting original research and obtaining specific, reliable information directly from the source.