According to the source, data research is classified into Primary and Secondary Data. Primary Data is a kind of data obtained from the primary source of research subject using research instrument or data collection tools that collects data directly from the subject as source data. This data is also called as FirstHand Data.
Secondary data can be defined as a data obtained from one step removed from the original information, not directly from the research subject. It is also called as SecondHand Data which is in the form of documented data or available data. Primary and secondary data can be classified as numerical quantitative data and categorical qualitative data.
Data collecting method in research activities has purpose displaying facts about concerned variables. This goal should be achieved using accurate and efficient ways. First hand data or primary data generally obtained through direct observation that makes it more accurate but frequently inefficient because requiring more source. In the other hand, second hand data which is gained from authorities, has more efficiency but sometimes less accurate.
The researcher needs to consider accurate efficient ration in determining data collecting method. It means that he / she needs to know when sacrificing accuracy for efficiency and efficiency for accuracy. Therefore, it is necessary to consider using double sources to increase reliability of the information from the secondary sources. The researcher also should pay attention to data significance aspect for the sake of the research. For the trivial significance data, he / she prefers to sacrifice accuracy for efficiency. Aside from using double sources to avoid accuracy efficiency dilemma, the researcher can re review the literature and get trusted authority.
