What distinguishes primary data from secondary data?

The distinguishing factor between primary data and secondary data lies in the context of collection and usage. Primary data is gathered directly by researchers through methods such as surveys, experiments, or interviews, specifically for the purpose of addressing a particular research question or evaluation. This data is original and tailored to meet the specific needs of the study or evaluation being conducted. It allows researchers to gather fresh insights that are relevant to their unique objectives.

In contrast, secondary data consists of information that has already been collected by other researchers or organizations for purposes other than the current research question. This data has been previously analyzed and is readily available, making it useful for contextualizing research findings or identifying trends over time. However, it may not always align perfectly with the specific needs of the current evaluation.

Thus, the key difference is that primary data is specifically collected for a particular research purpose, while secondary data is information that already exists and was collected for another purpose. This distinction directly informs how researchers choose to collect and utilize data in their evaluations.