Primary data is data that is collected firsthand by the researcher through methods such as surveys, interviews, observations, or experiments. This data is original and specific to the research question being investigated.
Secondary data, on the other hand, is data that has already been collected and published by someone else. This data can come from sources such as books, journal articles, government reports, or online databases. Secondary data is often used to supplement or support primary data in research studies.
Both primary and secondary data sources can be valuable in research, depending on the research question and the goals of the study. Primary data is typically more time-consuming and expensive to collect, but it can provide more specific and detailed information. Secondary data, on the other hand, is often more readily available and can provide a broader perspective on a topic.