What distinguishes primary data from secondary data?

Primary data is unique because it is collected directly by the researcher for a specific research question or purpose. This data is gathered firsthand through methods such as surveys, interviews, or experiments to address particular objectives that the researcher has in mind. In contrast, secondary data refers to information that has already been collected by someone else for a different purpose. This can include published studies, government reports, or data from existing databases. This fundamental difference in the intent behind data collection is what sets primary data apart from secondary data.

While other options present various characteristics of data types, they do not accurately capture the core distinction surrounding the intent and purpose of data collection.