Final answer:
To get primary data about an industry, you can talk to competitors, suppliers, and customers, as well as conduct in-depth interviews, focus groups, and root cause analysis for quantitative data. Professionals with expertise in the industry can also provide valuable insights.
Step-by-step explanation:
To obtain primary data about an industry, you can engage in conversations with different sets of people connected to that industry. These include a) competitors, b) suppliers, and c) customers. Each of these groups can provide valuable insights into the industry dynamics, challenges, and opportunities. Conducting in-depth interviews, participating in focus groups, or performing a root cause analysis with these stakeholders can yield quantitative data that can inform business decisions. Additionally, interviewing a professional who knows a great deal about your subject can also provide pertinent information that qualifies as primary data.
It is noteworthy that your options are not limited to these groups alone. Depending on the industry you are researching, talking to people such as industry analysts, employees within the companies, or engaging in field research might also be beneficial sources of primary data. Seeking out professionals who live and work with your subject provides additional, helpful background information that can deepen your insights into the industry.
Primary data is explicitly collected for the research question at hand, making it a valuable resource for answering specific questions such as 'How does competition impact the choices you make as a consumer?'—a query that guides inquiry into market structures.