DECA Sports and Entertainment Marketing Practice Exam

Which of the following is NOT considered primary data?

1. Surveys conducted by a company

2. Interviews held with customers

3. Market research reports from external sources

4. Focus group discussions

The correct answer is: Market research reports from external sources

Primary data refers to the information that is collected firsthand by an organization for a specific research purpose. This data is original and collected directly from potential customers or sources, allowing for tailored research that addresses specific questions or needs. Market research reports from external sources are classified as secondary data. This type of data is gathered by someone other than the user, compiled from various studies, reports, or databases that have already been published. Secondary data can provide valuable insights, but it is not specifically gathered for the immediate research needs of the organization, differentiating it from primary data collection methods such as surveys, interviews, and focus groups. In summary, the distinction lies in the source and the intention behind the data collection. Primary data is collected directly by the entity, while market research reports are pre-existing analyses and findings created by other organizations.