Research methods in CS 2025

CHAPTER 6: PRIMARY AND SECONDARY SOURCES

What is Data?
Data is a collection of measurements and facts and a tool that helps an individual or a
group of individuals reach a sound conclusion by providing them with some information.
It helps the analyst understand, analyze, and interpret different socio-economic problems
like unemployment, poverty, inflation, etc. Besides understanding the issues, it also helps
in determining the reasons behind the problem to find possible solutions for them. Data
not only includes theoretical information but some numerical facts too that can support
the information. The collection of data is the first step of the statistical investigation and
can be gathered through two different sources, namely, primary sources and secondary
sources.
Sources of Collection of Data
1. Primary Source
It is a collection of data from the source of origin. It provides the researcher with first-
hand quantitative and raw information related to the statistical study. In short, the primary
sources of data give the researcher direct access to the subject of research. For
example, statistical data, works of art, and interview transcripts.
2. Secondary Source
It is a collection of data from some institutions or agencies that have already
collected the data through primary sources. It does not provide the researcher with
first-hand quantitative and raw information related to the study. Hence, the secondary
source of data collection interprets, describes, or synthesizes the primary sources. For
example, reviews, government websites containing surveys or data, academic books,
published journals, articles, etc.
Even though primary sources provide more credibility to the collected data because of the
presence of evidence, but good research will require both primary and secondary sources
of data collection.

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Primary and Secondary Data
1. Primary Data
The data collected by the investigator from primary sources for the first time from
scratch is known as primary data. This data is collected directly from the source of
origin. It is real-time data and is always specific to the researcher’s needs. The primary
data is available in raw form. The investigator has to spend a long time period in the
collection of primary data and hence is expensive also. However, the accuracy and
reliability of primary data are more than the secondary data. Some examples of sources
for the collection of primary data are observations, surveys, experiments, personal
interviews, questionnaires, etc.

2. Secondary Data
The data already in existence which has been previously collected by someone else
for other purposes is known as secondary data. It does not include any real-time data
as the research has already been done on that information. However, the cost of collecting
secondary data is less. As the data has already been collected in the past, it can be found
in refined form. The accuracy and reliability of secondary data are relatively less than the
primary data. The chances of finding the exact information or data specific to the
researcher’s needs are less. However, the time required to collect secondary data is short
and hence is a quick and easy process. Some examples of sources for the collection of
secondary data are books, journals, internal records, government records, articles,
websites, government publications, etc.
Principle Difference between Primary and Secondary Data
 Difference in Objective: The primary data collected by the investigator is
always for the specific objective. Therefore, there is no need to make any
adjustments for the purpose of the study. However, the secondary data collected
by the investigator has already been collected by someone else for some other
purpose. Therefore, the investigator has to make necessary adjustments to the
data to suit the main objective of the present study.

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 Difference in Originality: As the primary data is collected from the beginning
from the source of origin, the data is original. However, the secondary data is
already present somewhere and hence is not original.
 Difference in Cost of Collection: The cost of collecting primary data is higher
than the cost of collecting secondary data in terms of time, effort and money.
It is because the data is being collected for the first time from the source of origin.
However, the cost of collecting secondary data is less as the data is gathered from
published or unpublished sources.

Methods of Collecting Primary Data

 Direct Personal Investigation: As the name suggests, the method of direct
personal investigation involves collecting data personally from the source of
origin. In simple words, the investigator makes direct contact with the person
from whom he/she wants to obtain information. This method can attain success
only when the investigator collecting data is efficient, diligent, tolerant and
impartial. For example, direct contact with the household women to obtain
information about their daily routine and schedule.
 Indirect Oral Investigation: In this method of collecting primary data, the
investigator does not make direct contact with the person from whom he/she
needs information, instead, they collect the data orally from some other person
who has the necessary required information. For example, collecting data of
employees from their superiors or managers.
 Information from Local Sources or Correspondents: In this method, for the
collection of data, the investigator appoints correspondents or local persons at
various places, which are then furnished by them to the investigator. With the
help of correspondents and local persons, the investigators can cover a wide area.
 Information through Questionnaires and Schedules: In this method of
collecting primary data, the investigator, while keeping in mind the motive of the
study, prepares a questionnaire. The investigator can collect data through the
questionnaire in two ways:
Mailing Method: This method involves mailing the questionnaires to the

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informants for the collection of data. The investigator attaches a letter with the
questionnaire in the mail to define the purpose of the study or research. The
investigator also assures the informants that their information would be kept
secret, and then the informants note the answers to the questionnaire and return
the completed file.
Enumerator’s Method: This method involves the preparation of a questionnaire
according to the purpose of the study or research. However, in this case, the
enumerator reaches out to the informants himself with the prepared questionnaire.
Enumerators are not the investigators themselves; they are the people who help
the investigator in the collection of data.
Sources of Collecting Secondary Data
1. Published Sources
 Government Publications: Government publishes different documents which
consist of different varieties of information or data published by the Ministries,
Central and State Governments in India as their routine activity. As the
government publishes these Statistics, they are fairly reliable to the
investigator. Examples of Government publications on Statistics are the Annual
Survey of Industries, Statistical Abstract of India, etc.
 Semi-Government Publications: Different Semi-Government bodies also
publish data related to health, education, deaths and births. These kinds of data are
also reliable and used by different informants. Some examples of semi-
government bodies are Metropolitan Councils, Municipalities, etc.
 Publications of Trade Associations: Various big trade associations collect and
publish data from their research and statistical divisions of different trading
activities and their aspects. For example, data published by Sugar Mills
Association regarding different sugar mills in India.
 Journals and Papers: Different newspapers and magazines provide a variety of
statistical data in their writings, which are used by different investigators for their
studies.

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 International Publications: Different international organizations like IMF,
UNO, ILO, World Bank, etc., publish a variety of statistical information which
are used as secondary data.
 Publications of Research Institutions: Research institutions and universities
also publish their research activities and their findings, which are used by
different investigators as secondary data. For example, National Council of
Applied Economics, the Indian Statistical Institute, etc.
2. Unpublished Sources
Another source of collecting secondary data is unpublished sources. The data in
unpublished sources is collected by different government organizations and other
organizations. These organizations usually collect data for their self-use and are not
published anywhere. For example, research work done by professors, professionals,
teachers and records maintained by business and private enterprises.
What factors should be considered when choosing between primary and secondary
data?
Factors to consider include:
 Research Objectives: Specific needs of the study.
 Resources Available: Budget, time, and personnel.
 Data Availability: Access to relevant and reliable data.
 Scope and Scale: Size and extent of the study.

How can the reliability of secondary data be assessed?

The reliability of secondary data can be assessed by:
 Source Credibility: Ensuring the data comes from reputable and trustworthy
sources.
 Methodology Review: Understanding how the data was collected and processed.
 Cross-Verification: Comparing with other data sources for consistency.
 Timeliness: Checking the date of publication to ensure data is current.

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