Research: Primary And Secondary by Isaac

Primary Data: This is data collected from field experiments.  Primary data has been collected by the researcher with the data to be used for their own purpose.  This type of research is synced with time since it had been done for that data which was needed.  Is can be used for both current studies and future studies.  Quantitative data can come under forms of experiments, mechanical observations and simulations.  A big method used for quantitative data includes surveys.  This is really good because it allows for a range of different ways of collecting feedback such as feedback cards and online surveys.  The qualitative research is good because you get a better depth of information since people use words to explain their thoughts and feelings.  Qualitative data includes focus groups, individual depth interviews, human observations and case studies.  The people carrying out the research has complete control over the process.  The data collected can be examined and interpreted by the marketers depending on their needs rather than relying on the interpretation made by collectors of secondary data.
The disadvantages about primary data is the cost of it.  Primary research is very expensive since there is a great deal of marketer involvement and the expense in preparing and carrying out research can be high.

Secondary data is data which has been recorded by someone else for a different purpose but you are able to use it for your research.  It is good since it cost considerably less and requires very little time or effort.  Internal sources of secondary data are usually for marketing application -

1. Sales Records
2. Marketing Activity
3. Cost Information
4. Distributor Reports and Feedbacks
5. Customer Feedback

This type of market research is the most used method of collecting data because the researcher uses little effort to find the data.  What makes it bad is how the researcher will have to rely on the validity of the secondary data.  They may also not be able to gain additional information from the data because the data which was gained from the original researcher had done it to look for something different.