What distinguishes secondary data from primary data?

The distinction between secondary data and primary data primarily lies in the origin and purpose of the data collection. Secondary data is indeed pre-existing data that was collected for a different purpose than the current research or analysis. This type of data can include statistics from government reports, research articles, or previous surveys. Researchers utilize secondary data to gain insights without needing to collect new data, which can be time-consuming and resource-intensive.

In contrast, primary data is data that is collected first-hand by the researcher specifically for the current study, such as through surveys, interviews, or experiments. The use of secondary data can be advantageous, as it often enables researchers to access a wider variety of information and potentially save on costs and time.

The other options do not accurately capture the essence of secondary data. For instance, while secondary data can be valid, it is not always inherently more valid than primary data, as validity depends on the context and the source of the data. Additionally, secondary data is not limited to experimental data and can encompass a wide range of information sources. Lastly, secondary data is typically less expensive to acquire compared to the costs associated with collecting primary data, further accentuating its unique role in research.