Paper 2 · June 2019 · Market Research
Which of the following is a characteristic of primary data, compared to secondary data?
AIt is quicker and cheaper to obtain since no new data collection is required
BIt is already published and readily available, having been collected by someone else for another purpose
CIt is collected first-hand for a specific purpose and is exclusive to the business
DIt is historic information that may no longer be up to date by the time it is used
Explanation
Primary data is original information collected first-hand for a specific purpose, making it exclusive and up to date, though more expensive and time-consuming to gather. Secondary data is second-hand, already published, and cheaper and quicker to obtain, but may be historic.
Derived from ZIMSEC Business_studies Paper 2, June 2019, Q6