Question

What are primary data and secondary data? Which of the two is more reliable and why?

Answer 1

Primary data: The data collected by the investigator himself with a definite plan in mind are known as primary data. These data are, therefore, highly reliable and relevant.

Secondary data: The data collected by someone, other than the investigator, are known as secondary data. Secondary data should be carefully used, since they are collected with a purpose different from that of the investigator and may not be fully relevant to the investigation.

Answer 2

Primary data are more reliable than secondary data. It is because primary data are collected by doing original research and not through secondary sources that may subject to some errors or discrepancies and may even contain out-dated information. Secondary data are less reliable than primary data.

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