Which of the following is an example of primary data collection?

• A. A researcher conducts a new survey with participants.
• B. A researcher reads a prior meta-analysis.
• C. A researcher uses government statistics.
• D. A researcher cites textbook definitions.

Answer: (A)

Primary data collection means gathering new information firsthand from sources like participants or observed phenomena. Conducting a new survey with participants fits this because you design the study, collect fresh responses, and create data that didn’t exist before. In contrast, reading a prior meta-analysis, using government statistics, or citing textbook definitions rely on data that someone else gathered or compiled, not data you collected yourself. So the best example is the act of gathering new responses directly from participants through a survey.