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Primary and Secondary Data

Meaning, sources, comparison, degree-based distinction.

Notes

Primary and Secondary Data

Class 11 Statistics — Meaning, Comparison, and the Degree Concept

Primary Data

Primary Data
Data which is originally collected by an investigator or agency from its source of origin for the first time for some specific purpose.

Key Takeaways

  • The source from which primary data is collected is called the primary source.
  • Such data is original in character as it is collected for the first time. It is first hand information.
  • ⭐ Example: If an inquiry is conducted into the age group of employees in a company and information is collected by the investigator from the workers themselves, it is Primary Data.
  • ⭐ However, if instead of obtaining the data about age group from workers themselves, such data is taken from the company records, then the data will be called Secondary Data.
  • Primary data once collected and published becomes secondary data.

Secondary Data

Secondary Data
Data which is not directly collected but rather obtained from the published or unpublished sources.

Key Takeaways

  • Also known as Second Hand Data.
  • These are not original data since the enumerators or investigators themselves do not collect these data. They make use of data collected by others.
  • Secondary data can be obtained either from published sources or from any other source, like a website. As a result, it saves time and cost.
  • ⭐ Example: Economic Survey published by Indian Government would be secondary data for any researcher.

Comparison — Primary vs Secondary Data

Viewing: Primary Data
Originality

Primary data is original because it is collected by the investigator himself.

Source

Collected by some agency or person by using the method of data collection.

Time Factor

Requires longer time for data collection.

Cost Factor

Requires a considerable amount of money & personals as whole plan of investigation is initiated.

Reliability and Suitability

More reliable and suitable to the enquiry as the investigator himself collects it.

Precautions

No great need for precautions while using primary data.

Organisation Factor

Requires elaborate organisation set up.

vs

The Degree Concept

The basic difference between primary data and secondary data is of 'degree'. The data collected by one will be primary, but the same data used by another will make it secondary. For example, data collected by Ministry of Human Resource with regard to birth rate in the country is primary data. However, if the same data is used by us, it becomes secondary.