Primary and Secondary Research

Primary research involves the collecting data that does not already exist, thus being original data. Primary Research is often done after collecting secondary data. This can be through numerous forms, including questionnaires, direct observation and telephone interviews amongst others. This information may be collected in things like questionnaires and interviews.

Qualitative research:

·         Interviews

·         Focus groups

·         Participant observation

Quantitative research:

·         Controlled laboratory experiments

·         Field work

·         Questionnaires

·         Surveys

·         Ethnographies

There are advantages and disadvantages to primary research:

Advantages:

• Addresses specific research
• Great control
• Efficient spending for information
• Proprietary information

Disadvantages:

• Expensive
• It is longer to collect primary research
• May become out of date.
• People may not reply if emails or letters are used

Secondary research (also known as desk research) involves the summary, collation and/or synthesis of existing research rather than primary research, where data is collected from, for example, research subjects or experiments.