Glossary term
Primary Data: Meaning and Definition
Reviewed and approved by Dr. Anamika ShrivastavaPublished Last updated
Primary data are information collected for the first time by an investigator for a particular purpose. They are original and fit the problem closely. Common methods are questionnaires, interviews and observation. Their drawbacks are higher cost and time compared with using data that already exist.
In more detail
Primary data fit the question exactly because the investigator designs the collection, but they take time and money. Quality depends on the questionnaire, the sample and the care of the interviewers. A pilot survey on a few respondents reveals unclear questions before the main survey begins.
Example
A student who visits 60 households in her ward to ask how many litres of water they use each day is collecting primary data.
Key points
- Collected directly from respondents.
- Costlier and slower than secondary data.
- Quality is under the investigator's control.
Common mistake
Calling published Census tables primary data. For the user they are secondary.
Related terms
Where it is explained
This term is explained in Class 11 Statistics Chapter 2: Collection of Data.