ACCA Performance Management (F5) Certification Practice Exam

Which type of research uses primary data collection methods?

1. Qualitative research

2. Secondary research

3. Meta-analysis

4. Desk research

The correct answer is: Qualitative research

Primary data collection methods involve gathering data directly from original sources rather than relying on previously collected data. This approach, used in qualitative research, focuses on understanding the underlying reasons and motivations behind behaviors and opinions. Methods such as interviews, observations, and focus groups are typically employed, enabling researchers to delve deeply into the subject matter and gather firsthand insights. In qualitative research, the emphasis is on exploratory data that captures the richness and complexity of human experience, making it particularly suitable for understanding nuanced perspectives. This direct interaction with subjects allows researchers to ask open-ended questions, explore themes, and generate hypotheses based on real-life interactions. On the other hand, secondary research, meta-analysis, and desk research all involve the analysis of existing data rather than the collection of new data. Secondary research relies on data collected by other researchers or organizations, meta-analysis synthesizes findings from multiple studies without collecting new data, and desk research refers to the examination of existing information, often from published literature or databases. These methods do not utilize primary data collection techniques, making them distinct from the primary approach used in qualitative research.