Which research method collects firsthand data?

Government reports compile and analyze existing data collected by governmental agencies, making them a form of secondary research. While they provide valuable information about various topics, they do not involve firsthand data collection from individuals, as they typically summarize previously gathered statistics and findings.

Trade journals publish articles based on research, industry analyses, and expert opinions, often drawing from secondary data sources. While they can provide insights into industry trends, they do not collect firsthand data themselves. Instead, they report on the findings and practices of others, making them less direct than focus groups.

Internal sales records document sales data generated by a company’s transactions and activities. This data is retrospective and does not involve collecting firsthand information from individuals or groups. As a result, it serves as secondary data that reflects past performance rather than new, firsthand insights.