Which statement accurately describes primary data?

Which statement accurately describes primary data?

• A. It is always quantitative.
• B. It is specifically tailored for the research purpose.
• C. It is less reliable than secondary data.
• D. It requires less time to collect.

Answer: (B)

Primary data is specifically tailored for the research purpose, which means it is collected directly by the researcher to address specific questions or objectives of their study. This type of data is gathered through methods such as surveys, interviews, experiments, or observations that are designed to yield information relevant to the researcher's inquiries. Because primary data is collected to meet the unique needs of a particular study, it tends to provide more relevant and accurate insights, thus enhancing the validity of the research findings. In contrast, the other statements do not accurately describe primary data. While some primary data can be quantitative, it can also be qualitative, encompassing various forms such as narrative responses or observational data. The assertion that primary data is less reliable than secondary data is problematic, as reliability can depend on the methodology used to collect data in both categories rather than the nature of the data itself. Additionally, collecting primary data often requires more time and resources because it involves designing a study and gathering new information, making it a more involved process than using existing secondary data.

Primary data is specifically tailored for the research purpose, which means it is collected directly by the researcher to address specific questions or objectives of their study. This type of data is gathered through methods such as surveys, interviews, experiments, or observations that are designed to yield information relevant to the researcher's inquiries. Because primary data is collected to meet the unique needs of a particular study, it tends to provide more relevant and accurate insights, thus enhancing the validity of the research findings.

In contrast, the other statements do not accurately describe primary data. While some primary data can be quantitative, it can also be qualitative, encompassing various forms such as narrative responses or observational data. The assertion that primary data is less reliable than secondary data is problematic, as reliability can depend on the methodology used to collect data in both categories rather than the nature of the data itself. Additionally, collecting primary data often requires more time and resources because it involves designing a study and gathering new information, making it a more involved process than using existing secondary data.