Explain the difference between primary and secondary sources of data, with examples.

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Name: Rebecca Holmes

Unit 3/11 Task a: Research Methodologies

Explain the difference between primary and secondary sources of data, with examples:

Primary data is data, which is collected by the researcher themselves. This kind of data is new, original research information.

Primary sources enable the researcher to get as close as possible to what actually happened and is hands on. A primary source reflects the individual viewpoint of a participant or observer. Primary sources are first-hand information from a person who witnessed or participated in an event. Examples of primary data are:

* Interviews

* Questionnaires

*Observations

Secondary research is using information that has already been produced by other people. A secondary source is used by a person usually not present at the event and relying on primary source documents for information. Secondary sources usually analyse and interpret. Finding out about research that already exits will help form new research.

Examples of secondary data:

Internet

Books/ Magazines

Newspapers

Office statistics

The government statistics service

The office of national statistics

Centre for applied social surveys

The distinctions between