Which of the following is an example of a secondary data source in probability studies?

• A. Survey responses you collect directly from participants
• B. A published government census report
• C. Observations you make in the field for your own research
• D. Measurements you record during a laboratory experiment

Answer: (B)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand the difference between primary and secondary data sources: Primary data is collected firsthand by the researcher for a specific purpose, while secondary data is data that has already been collected by someone else and is used by the researcher for a different purpose.
2. Identify examples of primary data sources: Survey responses you collect directly, observations you make yourself, and measurements recorded during your own experiments are all primary data because you are the original collector.
3. Recognize that a published government census report is an example of secondary data because it is data collected by a government agency and made available for others to use.
4. Conclude that among the options given, the published government census report is the secondary data source since it was not collected by you but can be used in your probability studies.
5. Remember that using secondary data can save time and resources, but it is important to consider the data's relevance, accuracy, and how it was collected.