Final answer:
The major advantage of primary data collection is its ability to allow for in-depth analysis and customization tailored to specific research questions, resulting in data that is directly relevant and up-to-date. However, it is not necessarily less expensive or easier to access compared to secondary data, which has its own set of advantages including cost-effectiveness and time efficiency.
Step-by-step explanation:
A major advantage of primary data collection is that it allows for in-depth analysis and customization of the research. When collecting primary data, the researcher has control over the kinds of information gathered, which can be tailored to answer specific research questions. This results in data that is specific to the researcher's needs and can provide detailed insights that are directly relevant to the study.
However, primary data collection might not always be less expensive than collecting secondary data. Secondary data, such as old movies or WHO statistics, have the advantage of being nonreactive research, meaning they do not influence behaviors since the data has already been collected. This type of data can be cost-effective and less time-consuming but might lack the specificity and currency that primary data offers.
In contrast, primary data is original and firsthand, derived from direct experience or observation by the researcher. Such data includes interviews, surveys, and field studies, which can be more accurate and up-to-date but may involve more expense and risk associated with the data collection process.