Data

• Primary data
• &
• Secondary data

Primary data is evidence that is collected first hand by the sociologists themselves, and did not exist prior to the conduct of research.

Secondary data is evidence that already exists from other sources prior to primary research.

It is then used by sociologists to make comparisons or to support their own primary data.

Quick

Cheap

Official statistics

Documents {diaries; letters; novels & news etc.}

may not provide EXACT information

Questionnaires

Social surveys

Participant observation

Experiments

Gather the exact information you need for your reserch topic

Costly

Time consuming