Raw data

Under primary data (including raw data or original data ) is understood in empirical research the data that are obtained directly in a data collection. The individual value is called according to original value. The data derived from them are called secondary data. The primary data are listed in an unsorted or sorted primary list, the individual original values ​​are still assigned to the respective carriers of the trait here.

In the physical data is referred to in place of the primary data more measured values. Some detection methods, the clear separation between the primary and secondary data is not always possible. Thus, the classification is often already based on an interpretation.

Examples

In the measurement of a rectangular room, for example, the length of 5 meters, the width of 4 meters and height 2.80 meters shall be measured (see measure of length ). These three values ​​are the primary data. From them, the area is derived with 20 square meters and the room volume of 56 cubic meters by calculation.

Trouble

Regarding the measured primary data measurement errors of various kinds may occur. Criticism of primary data can only refer to the survey methodology or to the care of the survey.

Of importance is the distinction between primary and secondary data in more complex considerations. Thus, the primary data from the secondary data are to be distinguished, for example, for measurements in the field of social sciences, because the survey methodology ( including, for example, the nature of the issue in an opinion poll ) may be relevant to validity of the derived data. By anonymity of the primary data ( intentionally) data elements are lost, restrict the analysis options. The anonymity allows for the protection of personal privacy protection of interviewees.

See also: Measurement, Policy, primary research, secondary data

• Data architecture
• Geoinformatics