Which type of research gathers firsthand information?

Primary research is the method that involves the collection of firsthand information directly from original sources. This type of research is conducted when existing information (such as that found in secondary research) does not suffice for the research needs. Examples of primary research methods include surveys, interviews, experiments, and direct observations, where the researcher actively engages with the subjects or phenomena being studied to gather unfiltered data.

In contrast, secondary research entails the analysis and interpretation of data that has already been collected and published by others, making it less direct and linked to firsthand information. Qualitative research focuses on understanding complex phenomena through subjective insights and experiences rather than numerical data, and while it may utilize primary data, it emphasizes the nature of the data collected rather than the methodology itself. Meta-analysis involves synthesizing results from multiple studies, which typically draws on existing literature rather than collecting new data. Each of these other types of research serves important functions, but they do not provide the firsthand information central to primary research.