Answer:
Describe the difference between primary and secondary data. What
are the main benefits and pitfalls of both?
Primary data is original and unique data that is collected through firsthand observation, interviews, surveys, experiments, etc. Primary data is typically collected for a specific research project and is customized to meet the researcher's needs. On the other hand, secondary data is data that has already been collected by others and is available for use. It can be collected from a range of sources like published reports, online databases, or social media.
The main advantages of primary data are that it is customized to the researcher's needs, is original and unique, and can be controlled and monitored. However, collecting primary data can be time-consuming and expensive. Respondents may also not be honest, leading to biased data.
The benefits of secondary data are that it is easy to obtain, is inexpensive, and can provide a broader perspective for research without the need for a large-scale study. However, the accuracy and reliability of secondary data are not always guaranteed, and it may not be tailored to the researcher's specific needs. It can also be outdated and may not be relevant to the current research question.
In summary, the main benefits and pitfalls of primary data are that it is customized but time-consuming and expensive, while secondary data is readily available but may not be accurate or tailored to the researcher's needs.
Step-by-step explanation: