What distinguishes primary research from secondary research?

Primary research is characterized by the collection of original data directly from sources. This means that researchers conduct their own surveys, interviews, experiments, or observational studies to gather new insights and information that have not been previously collected or analyzed. The focus is on generating new knowledge or answering specific research questions through firsthand experience and tailored methodologies.

In contrast, the other options relate to secondary research, which involves the analysis and summary of data that has already been collected by others. Secondary research relies on existing studies, information, or data sets to draw conclusions, verify findings, or provide context within a certain field. Thus, the defining feature of primary research is its commitment to original data collection, making it distinct from the analysis of pre-existing data.