Getting Information
- Businesses often need to collect information before making decisions.
- The information needs to be accurate, timely, and relevant to the businesses needs.
- We can categorise collection methods into primary or secondary.
Primary Data Collection
Primary data collection is when you gather new, original data yourself for a specific purpose.
Advantages
- Can be highly specific to the business’s needs
- Up-to-date
- You can control how the data is collected, improving accuracy
- More reliable because you know the source
Disadvantages
- Large samples are needed for accuracy
- Often more expensive (e.g., printing surveys, travelling)
- Time-consuming to gather and analyse
- Can be difficult to administer and get right
Types of primary data collection
Click on a button to show information about different types of primary data collection.
Email
Interview
Questionnaire
Secondary Data Collection
Secondary data collection is when you use data that someone else has already collected.
Advantages
- Usually quick to access
- Often cheap or free
- Useful for getting background information
- Can provide large amounts of data from trusted organisations (e.g., government)
Disadvantages
- Data may be out of date
- Not always relevant to your exact needs
- Can be less reliable if the source is unknown or biased
- You have no control over how the data was collected
Types of secondary data collection
Click on a button to show information about different types of secondary data collection.
Books
Newspapers & Magazines
Government Statistics
Websites
