Data collection plays a very significant role in statistical analysis. The method of collecting data mainly falls into two categories, i.e. primary and secondary data. Primary and secondary data are two critical parts of data collection that help an organization measure and analyze different statistics of a business. Although they are the types of the same domain(data), there is an obvious difference between them. So, in this article, we will get to know the complete difference between primary and secondary data. The topics of the blog are as follows.
Our Readers Can Also Read the:
Definition Of Primary Data
Primary data is highly factual, which a researcher collects for the first time via his direct efforts and personal experiences, specifically for the purpose of research. This type of data is also known as raw data or first-hand data. Primary data collection is quite expensive because this kind of data requires an organization to have resources like investment and manpower.
The main objective of primary data is to provide solutions to the researcher’s problems. Various means and methods like physical testing, observation, questionnaire, surveys, telephonic interviews, focus groups, case studies, etc. are used to collect the data. The researcher directly supervises and controls the data collection activities.
Definition Of Secondary Data
Secondary data refers to second-hand information that is already collected and recorded by some other individual for their purpose, not relating to the current research problem. This kind of data is readily available in newspapers, journals, books, and other publications. Secondary data is quite beneficial as it is easily available and saves the time and cost of the investigator. But this kind of data is for other purposes and may not meet the current research purpose or may not be accurate and so, this is the only disadvantage of it.
Primary Vs Secondary Data(Comparison Table)
| Basis For Difference | Primary Data | Secondary Data |
| Definition | The first-hand information or data gathered by an investigator is called primary data. | The data that is already collected by someone else is called secondary data. |
| Sources | Surveys, observations, questionnaires, experiments, personal interviews, etc. | Government publications, books, websites, articles, journal internal records, etc. |
| Data Type | It is real-time data | It is past data |
| Cost-effectiveness | Costlier | Economical |
| Collection Time Of Data | It takes a longer time | It takes lesser time |
| Reliability And Accuracy | It is more reliable and accurate | Less reliable and accurate |
Key Differences Between Primary And Secondary Data
Some of the key differences between primary vs secondary data are as follows.
- Primary data is highly factual, which a researcher collects for the first time via his direct efforts and personal experiences, specifically for the purpose of research. On the other hand, Secondary data refers to second-hand information that is already collected and recorded by some other individual for their purpose, not relating to the current research problem.
- Primary data exist in the form of raw materials and is real-time data whereas secondary data is in finished form and is past data.
- While primary data is particularly meant to assist in providing solutions to the investigator’s or researcher’s problems secondary data may also be for other purposes.
- Primary data collection is a complex process. On the other hand, secondary data collection comparatively is an easy and rapid activity.
- While primary data requires a vast amount of resources like investment, time, manpower, etc secondary data relatively does not require such resources as it is quickly available.
- The resources for primary data collection are physical testing, observation, questionnaire, surveys, telephonic interviews, focus groups, case studies, etc. On the other hand resources for secondary data collection are websites, books, government publications, articles, and others.
- Primary data is more accurate and reliable for inquiry as it is for a specific objective. On the other hand, secondary data may not perfectly match our purpose and so, it is comparatively less suitable and reliable.
Conclusion
So with the above discussions, we can finally conclude that primary data is data that a researcher records through his personal experiences and efforts. This kind of data is more unique and original. On the other hand, secondary data is readily available in newspapers, journals, books, and other publications.
One Comment