Primary research is distinguished from secondary research by its focus on:

Primary research is defined by its focus on collecting original data directly from the source. This involves methods such as surveys, interviews, and experiments conducted by the researcher themselves to answer specific questions or test hypotheses. The key characteristic of primary research is that it generates new data that has not been previously collected or analyzed, allowing researchers to gather tailored information that specifically addresses their research objectives.

In contrast, other research methods involve the use of data that has already been collected by someone else or previously conducted studies. For instance, reviewing existing literature, utilizing data gathered by others, and analyzing previously conducted studies are all hallmarks of secondary research. In these approaches, researchers synthesize and evaluate existing findings rather than generating new insights through first-hand data collection. This distinction highlights the unique contribution of primary research in the field of sociology and other research disciplines.