What is one primary distinction between primary and secondary data?

The primary distinction between primary and secondary data lies in their source of collection. Primary data is obtained firsthand by the user for a specific research purpose or project, meaning it is collected directly through methods such as surveys, experiments, or interviews. This data is original and tailored to the specific needs of the researcher. In contrast, secondary data is data that has already been collected and published by other entities for purposes other than the current research. This means that secondary data is often sourced from academic papers, reports, databases, and other research materials compiled by others, which may not address the specific needs of the user’s research.

Regarding the other options, the notion that primary data is available for purchase and secondary data is not overlooks the fact that many secondary data sources can also be accessed through various means, sometimes at a cost. The claim that primary data is always unstructured and secondary data always structured doesn't hold because both types can exist in either format depending on how the data is collected and utilized. Lastly, the statement that primary data is always public while secondary data is always private does not accurately reflect the nature of either data type, as both can be confidential or public depending on the context of collection and intent of use.