Page 29 - F2 - MA Integrated Workbook STUDENT 2018-19

Sources of data

Types of data

Primary data is obtained directly from first-hand sources by means of
surveys, observation or experimentation. Primary data is any data
which is used solely for the purpose for which it was originally collected.

Secondary data is data that has been collected or researched recently.
The data collected is useful as it allows the researcher to see the other
opinions on their area of study

An important distinction is made here since information collected for
one purpose by a business and then, at a later date, used again for
another purpose would no longer be primary data.

Discrete data is non-continuous data. Discrete data can only take
certain values for example the number of students taking a course
(there wouldn’t be half a student). Discrete data is counted.

Continuous data is unbroken data that has no gaps. Continuous data
can take on any value (within a range) for example time or distance.
Continuous data is measured.

Test your understanding 1

Primary data is data which has been expressly collected for a particular
enquiry, for example, by observation or intervals.

True or false?

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