What defines primary research?

Primary research is defined as research that is conducted directly by the researcher themselves, rather than relying on existing information collected by others. This type of research often involves gathering new data through various methods such as surveys, interviews, observations, or experiments. By conducting their own research, the researcher has control over the methodology, participant selection, and data collection process, allowing for tailored insights specific to their needs.

In contrast, the other options pertain to different research approaches. Research that is available to the public refers to secondary research, which utilizes existing data rather than generating new insights. Analyzing existing data also aligns with secondary research practices, where previously collected information is interpreted to draw conclusions. Focusing solely on sales data may limit the scope of the research and is not characteristic of the broader context and methodologies that primary research can encompass. Thus, the essence of primary research lies in the original collection of data by the researcher.