JMS

Unit 4

Distinction between Primary and Secondary Data –

The distinction between primary and secondary data lies in how the data is collected
and its original purpose. Here's a breakdown:

Primary Data

Definition:
Primary data is data collected directly from the original source for a specific purpose
or research project.

Characteristics:

 First-hand and original

 Collected through methods like surveys, interviews, observations, and

 Tailored to the specific needs of the researcher

 More accurate and up-to-date (but can be time-consuming and expensive to

Examples:

 A company conducting a customer satisfaction survey

 A scientist conducting a lab experiment

 An anthropologist doing fieldwork in a village

Secondary Data

Definition:
Secondary data is data that has been collected and published by someone else,
usually for a purpose di erent from the current research.

Characteristics:

 Second-hand information

 Easily accessible and less costly

 May not perfectly match the researcher’s needs

Examples:

 Government reports and statistics

 Academic journals and books

 Company financial reports

 Newspaper articles

Key Di erences at a Glance

Aspect Primary Data Secondary Data

Source Original, firsthand Collected by others

Purpose Specific to current research General or di erent purpose

Cost & Time High cost and time-consuming Low cost and readily available

Accuracy High (if collected properly) Variable; depends on the source

Examples Interviews, surveys, experiments Reports, articles, databases

Data Collection for Primary Data –

Collecting primary data involves gathering original information directly from sources.
Here are the main methods used:

1. Surveys and Questionnaires

 Description: Asking people a set of structured questions.

 Tools: Online forms (Google Forms, SurveyMonkey), printed questionnaires.

 Use Case: Market research, customer feedback.

 Advantages: Can reach a large audience; data is easy to analyse.

 Disadvantages: Responses may be biased or incomplete.

2. Interviews
  Description: One-on-one conversations to gather in-depth information.

 Types: Structured, semi-structured, or unstructured.

 Use Case: Qualitative research, job interviews, user experience studies.

 Advantages: Rich, detailed responses.

 Disadvantages: Time-consuming, can be expensive.

3. Observations

 Description: Watching and recording behaviour or events as they happen.

 Types: Participant or non-participant observation.

 Use Case: Behavioural studies, customer behaviour in stores.

 Advantages: Real-time data; no respondent bias.

 Disadvantages: Observer bias; hard to generalize findings.

4. Experiments

 Description: Conducting controlled tests to observe outcomes.

 Use Case: Scientific research, product testing, psychology experiments.

 Advantages: Can establish cause-e ect relationships.

 Disadvantages: Can be costly and time-consuming; requires control over

5. Focus Groups

 Description: Guided group discussions to gather opinions.

 Use Case: Product development, political polling, advertising research.

 Advantages: Group dynamics can generate deeper insights.

 Disadvantages: Dominant participants can influence results; not statistically

6. Field Trials / Pilot Studies

 Description: Testing something in a real-world setting before full-scale rollout.

 Advantages: Real-world feedback; practical data.

 Disadvantages: Limited scope; may not reflect larger trends.

Processing of Data –

Data processing refers to the steps taken to transform raw data into meaningful
information that can be analysed and interpreted. This is a crucial stage in both
qualitative and quantitative research.

Steps in Data Processing

1. Data Collection

 Description: Gathering raw data through primary or secondary sources.

 Example: Surveys, interviews, o icial reports.

2. Data Editing

 Description: Checking the collected data for errors, inconsistencies, or

 Goal: Ensure accuracy and reliability.

 Example: Removing duplicate responses, correcting typos.

3. Data Coding

 Description: Converting qualitative or categorical responses into numerical

 Goal: Make data easier to process and analyse.

 Example: Male = 1, Female = 2; Yes = 1, No = 0.

4. Data Classification

 Description: Grouping data into categories based on shared characteristics.

 Goal: Simplify complex data.

5. Data Tabulation

 Description: Arranging data into tables or charts.

 Goal: Organize data for easy viewing and comparison.

 Example: Frequency tables, cross-tabulations, pivot tables.

6. Data Analysis

 Description: Applying statistical or logical techniques to interpret data.

 Types:

o Descriptive analysis (e.g., averages, percentages)

o Inferential analysis (e.g., hypothesis testing, regression)

 Example: Calculating the average age of respondents or testing if there is a

7. Data Interpretation

 Description: Drawing conclusions and insights based on analysis.

 Goal: Make informed decisions or test hypotheses.

 Example: Concluding that customer satisfaction is higher among returning

8. Data Presentation

 Description: Displaying results in a clear and understandable format.

 Tools: Charts, graphs, reports, dashboards.

 Example: Pie charts for market share, bar graphs for sales trends.