प्राथमिक आंकड़े

One of the major elements and basis of statistical research is data collection, where the most basic data that can be collected in this process is primary data. In other words, we can say that data is the basis of all statistical operations and primary data is the simplest of all data.

Primary data is one of the two main types of data, with the second one being secondary data. These two data types have important uses in research, but in this article, we will be considering the primary data type.

We will introduce you to what primary data is, examples, and the various techniques of collecting primary data.

What is Primary Data?

Primary data is a type of data that is collected by researchers directly from main sources through interviews, surveys, experiments, etc. Primary data are usually collected from the source—where the data originally originates from and are regarded as the best kind of data in research.

The sources of primary data are usually chosen and tailored specifically to meet the demands or requirements of particular research. Also, before choosing a data collection source, things like the aim of the research and target population need to be identified.

For example, when doing a market survey, the goal of the survey and the sample population need to be identified first. This is what will determine what data collection source will be most suitable—an offline survey will be more suitable for a population living in remote areas without an internet connection compared to online surveys.

Types of Primary Data Collection

Primary data collection involves gathering original data directly from sources for a specific research purpose.

Sources:

• Surveys
• Interviews
• Observations
• Experiments
• Focus groups
• Case studies

Examples of Primary Data

• Market Research

This is an important aspect of business strategy that involves the process of gathering information about the target market and customers. The data gathered during market research is primary as it is tailored specifically to meet the business needs.

An organization doing market research about a new product (say phone) they are about to release will need to collect data like purchasing power, feature preferences, daily phone usage, etc. from the target market. The data from past surveys are not used because the product differs.

• Student Thesis

When conducting academic research or a thesis experiment, students collect data from the primary source. The kind of data collected during this process may vary according to the kind of research being performed—lab experiments, statistical data gathering, etc.

For example, a student carrying out a research project to find out the effect of daily intake of fruit juice on an individual’s weight will need to take a sample population of 2 or more people, feed them with fruit juice daily and record the changes in their weight. The data gathered throughout this process is primary.

• Trauma Survivors

Although people react differently to trauma, there is usually a trait common to people who have gone through the same kind of trauma. The research aimed at finding out how victims of sexual abuse overcame the traumatic experience will include interviewing the survivors, sending them surveys, or any other primary source of data collection.

Experiences differ and every situation is unique. Therefore, using secondary data may not be the best option in this case.

Primary Data Collection Methods

Primary data collection methods are different ways in which primary data can be collected. It explains the tools used in collecting primary data, some of which are highlighted below:

1. Interviews

An interview is a method of data collection that involves two groups of people, where the first group is the interviewer (the researcher(s) asking questions and collecting data) and the interviewee (the subject or respondent that is being asked questions). The questions and responses during an interview may be oral or verbal as the case may be.

Interviews can be carried out in 2 ways, namely; in-person interviews and telephonic interviews. An in-person interview requires an interviewer or a group of interviewers to ask questions from the interviewee in a face-to-face fashion.

It can be direct or indirect, structured or structure, focused or unfocused, etc. Some of the tools used in carrying out in-person interviews include a notepad or recording device to take note of the conversation—very important due to human forgetful nature.

On the other hand, telephonic interviews are carried out over the phone through ordinary voice calls or video calls. The 2 parties involved may decide to use video calls like zoom to carry out interviews.

A mobile phone, Laptop, Tablet, or desktop computer with an internet connection is required for this.

Pros

• In-depth information can be collected.
• Non-response and response bias can be detected.
• The samples can be controlled.

Cons

• It is more time-consuming.
• It is expensive.
• The interviewer may be biased.

2. Surveys & Questionnaires

Surveys and questionnaires are two similar tools used in collecting primary data. They are a group of questions typed or written down and sent to the sample of study to give responses.

After giving the required responses, the survey is given back to the researcher to record. It is advisable to conduct a pilot study where the questionnaires are filled by experts and meant to assess the weakness of the questions or techniques used.

There are two main types of surveys used for data collection, namely; online and offline surveys. Online surveys are carried out using internet-enabled devices like mobile phones, PCs, Tablets, etc.

They can be shared with respondents through email, websites, or social media. Offline surveys, on the other hand, do not require an internet connection for them to be carried out.

The most common type of offline survey is a paper-based survey.

This kind of survey is called online-offline surveys because they can be filled offline but require an internet connection to be submitted.

Pros

• Respondents have adequate time to give responses.
• It is free from the bias of the interviewer.
• They are cheaper compared to interviews.

Cons

• A high rate of non-response bias.
• It is inflexible and can’t be changed once sent.
• It is a slow process.

3. Observation

The observation method is mostly used in studies related to behavioral science. The researcher uses observation as a scientific tool and method of data collection. Observation as a data collection tool is usually systematically planned and subjected to checks and controls.

There are different approaches to the observation method—structured or unstructured, controlled or uncontrolled, and participant, non-participant, or disguised approach.

The structured and unstructured approach is characterized by careful definition of subjects of observation, style of observer, conditions, and selection of data. An observation process that satisfies this is said to be structured and vice versa.

A controlled and uncontrolled approach signifies whether the research took place in a natural setting or according to some pre-arranged plans. If an observation is done in a natural setting, it is uncontrolled but becomes controlled if done in a laboratory.

Before employing a new teacher, academic institutions sometimes ask for a sample teaching class to test the teacher’s ability. The evaluator joins the class and observes the teaching, making him or her a participant.

The evaluation may also decide to observe from outside the class, becoming a non-participant. An evaluator may also be asked to stay in class and disguise as a student, to carry out a disguised observation.

Pros

• The data is usually objective.
• Data is not affected by past or future events.

Cons

• The information is limited.
• It is expensive

4. Focus Groups

Focus Groups are gathering of two or more people with similar characteristics or who possess common traits. They seek open-ended thoughts and contributions from participants.

A focus group is a primary source of data collection because the data is collected directly from the participant. It is commonly used for market research, where a group of market consumers engages in a discussion with a research moderator.

It is slightly similar to interviews, but this involves discussions and interactions rather than questions and answers. Focus groups are less formal and the participants are the ones who do most of the talking, with moderators there to oversee the process.

Pros

• It incurs a low cost compared to interviews. This is because the interviewer does not have to discuss with each participant individually.
• It takes lesser time too.

Cons

• Response bias is a problem in this case because a participant might be subjective to what people will think about sharing a sincere opinion.
• Group thinking does not clearly mirror individual opinions.

5. Experiments

An experiment is a structured study where the researchers attempt to understand the causes, effects, and processes involved in a particular process. This data collection method is usually controlled by the researcher, who determines which subject is used, how they are grouped, and the treatment they receive.

During the first stage of the experiment, the researcher selects the subject which will be considered. Therefore, some actions are carried out on these subjects, while the primary data consisting of the actions and reactions are recorded by the researcher.

After which they will be analyzed and a conclusion will be drawn from the result of the analysis. Although experiments can be used to collect different types of primary data, it is mostly used for data collection in the laboratory.

Pros

• It is usually objective since the data recorded are the results of a process.
• Non-response bias is eliminated.

Cons

• Incorrect data may be recorded due to human error.
• It is expensive.

Advantages, and Disadvantages Of Primary Data

Advantages:

• Relevance: The data is collected to address or resolve a research question.

• Accuracy: It is usually accurate and not diluted by transfer as it is collected directly by the researcher.

• Control: Researchers have absolute control over the data collection process.

• Timeliness: The data is usually current and reflects the current state of events.

Disadvantages:

• Cost: It is expensive and needs a lot of resources to implement

• Time-Consuming: Data collection takes time as there is very little automation in the collection process.

• Resource Intensive: A lot of time planning and putting resources is required to commence.

• Potential for Bias: The direct collection process may color the data collected with some bias.

Difference between Primary Data Collection and Secondary Data Collection

Primary Data	Secondary Data
Definition
Primary data are those that are collected for the first time and first hand/or through in-person interactions.	Secondary data is data that has been collected by someone else.
Originality
Primary data is original as these are collected by the researcher for the first time.	Secondary data is second-hand information and hence is not original as someone had collected the data for their use or purpose.
The Characteristics of The Data
These data are the raw-unprocessed information/ data in the form of raw materials.	These data are in a processed or finished form.
Reliability and Suitability
These are more reliable and suitable for your research as they were collected for a particular goal or objective.	It is completely plenty because the purpose collection may not match one own goal or objectives which can be evident in the collection methods.
Time and Money
Collecting primary data is time-consuming and requires deep commitment	Secondary data is price-friendly friendly and requires less time and money.
Precaution and Editing
There might be no need to apply or applying precautions when using the primary collection as the collection or research is aligned with the purpose or objective.	It is important to edit secondary data with care because it was collected by someone else for their purpose.

Conclusion

The study of primary data is not something that can be neglected in research and statistics. It entails the use of immediate data from its source for research and drawing conclusions.

The different sources of primary data collection are designed in a way that the data collected are tailored to the specific research needs. Although it can be a long process it provides first-hand information that is preferable in many cases.

For a research process to be successful, it is absolutely important to have access to reliable data. This is one of the situations where primary data becomes a better choice. 

परिभाषा

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आंकड़े	सद्य अनुक्रिया आकंड़ा
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लागत प्रभाविता	महँगा
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परिशुद्धता और विश्वसनीयता	अधिक मात्रा में