Final answer:
Primary data consists of information collected directly for a specific research purpose, using in-depth interviews, surveys, observations, or experiments. The correct option is (a).
Step-by-step explanation:
Data collected specifically for the question at hand are known as primary data. This category of data emerges from methodologies such as in-depth interviews, focus groups, observations, and directly conducted experiments or surveys.
Unlike secondary data, which is previously existing information (like books, articles, or statistical databases), primary data is gathered directly from the source through active research methods.
For instance, a military sergeant interviewing individuals and entering their responses into a database is an example of collecting primary data.