Page 21 - Microsoft Word - 00 ACCA F2 Prelims.docx

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.

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