Which statement is true about Primary Data?

• A. Original data collected directly from research.
• B. Data published in industry reports.
• C. Data compiled from trade magazines.
• D. Data collected from government statistics.

Answer: (A)

Primary data is information collected firsthand for a specific study, so it remains original to that research project. This means you design the data collection to answer your exact questions, using methods like surveys, interviews, experiments, or direct observations. Because the data are gathered directly for your purpose, they’re typically highly relevant and current to your study.

In contrast, secondary data come from sources that already exist, such as industry reports, trade magazines, or government statistics. These are useful for background or comparison, but they weren’t collected specifically for your project, which is why they aren’t primary data. So the statement that describes data original and collected directly from research best captures the concept of primary data.