UGC NET Questions (Paper – 1)

Primary data are original data collected first hand by the researcher for the specific purpose of the study. When the researcher administers a questionnaire to respondents and records their responses, the information is fresh and directly tied to the current research objectives. Such data allow detailed control over what is collected and how it is measured. Hence this represents a classic case of primary data.

Option A:
Option A correctly reflects first hand data collection directly from the field. The researcher designs the questionnaire, approaches respondents and records responses, which fits most textbook definitions of primary data. This allows tailoring the data to the precise questions the study wishes to answer.

Option B:
Option B refers to a census report, which is primary data for the agency that collected it but secondary for a researcher who later uses it. In this context, the researcher is not the original data collector.

Option C:
Option C involves using data already analyzed or reported in another article, which is clearly secondary from the current researcher’s perspective.

Option D:
Option D describes compilation from textbooks, again a form of secondary or even tertiary data, since it is based on others’ published work.