In the context of probability and statistics, primary data are —.

• A. data that have been processed and summarized by others
• B. data collected firsthand by the researcher for a specific purpose
• C. data obtained from published sources or previous studies
• D. data that are always qualitative in nature

Answer: (B)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand the definition of primary data in statistics: Primary data refers to data collected directly by the researcher for a specific purpose or study.
2. Recognize that primary data is original and firsthand, meaning it has not been previously processed or summarized by others.
3. Differentiate primary data from secondary data, which is data obtained from published sources, previous studies, or other external sources.
4. Note that primary data can be either qualitative or quantitative, so it is not restricted to only qualitative data.
5. Conclude that the correct description of primary data is 'data collected firsthand by the researcher for a specific purpose.'