(4) Conducting Primary Research

Primary research involves the collection of primary data which is collected for the first time. This data is usually gathered through direct observation, interviews, surveys and personal documents. Primary research involves data that is collected by the researcher themselves, as opposed to existing data which is gathered from a secondary source. Primary research involves gathering data through a range of methods such as interviews, focus groups, laboratory experiments, surveys, questionnaires and participant observation. The primary research process is important as it provides the researcher with an opportunity to develop a better understanding of the research topic. By engaging in primary research, the researcher can gain a more direct and empirical knowledge of their topic of study.