In research, how does secondary data differ from primary data?

Secondary data is defined as information that was collected by someone other than the user for a purpose other than the current research project. This includes data that has been previously published in reports, databases, and other forms, and it is often used in research to save time and resources or to build upon existing findings. On the other hand, primary data is original data collected directly by the researcher for a specific research purpose, ensuring that the data is tailored to their study's needs.

Choosing the correct option highlights the distinction that secondary data serves as a pre-existing resource, while primary data is the fresh creation of new evidence. This understanding is foundational in research methods, as it informs researchers about where to source their data and the implications for validity and reliability associated with each type.