Which is a weakness of primary data?

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Multiple Choice

Which is a weakness of primary data?

Primary data collection involves gathering information directly for the specific study, and the main constraint is time. Designing the data collection instrument, selecting a sample, coordinating fieldwork, administering surveys or interviews, and then cleaning and analyzing the data all require substantial lead time. That makes it a weakness, even though you get up-to-date, unique, and highly relevant information that you control. Those qualities are strengths of primary data, since they ensure the data precisely fits the research question. The other traits listed—being up to date, unique, and highly relevant—are advantages, not weaknesses, and while primary data can be more resource-intensive, its convenience is not typically considered a strength.

Primary data collection involves gathering information directly for the specific study, and the main constraint is time. Designing the data collection instrument, selecting a sample, coordinating fieldwork, administering surveys or interviews, and then cleaning and analyzing the data all require substantial lead time. That makes it a weakness, even though you get up-to-date, unique, and highly relevant information that you control. Those qualities are strengths of primary data, since they ensure the data precisely fits the research question. The other traits listed—being up to date, unique, and highly relevant—are advantages, not weaknesses, and while primary data can be more resource-intensive, its convenience is not typically considered a strength.

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