Final answer:
Conducting surveys via telephone, online, or mail for gathering information is considered a source of primary research.
Step-by-step explanation:
Conducting surveys, whether telephone, online, or mail to gather information, is a source of primary research. Primary research involves the collection of new data that has not been previously published. Surveys are a common method of primary research that allow researchers to collect new data directly from respondents. This method differs from secondary research, where researchers analyze existing information, and from tertiary research, which involves the compilation and summarization of primary and secondary sources. Field research, another form of primary research, may include surveys as well as other methods like observation or experimentation.