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EDGE & Entrepreneurship: Primary & Secondary Research


Primary vs. Secondary Research


Most of the resources in this guide will help you to do secondary research for your venture or idea. Examples of secondary research are searching for and reading newspaper and journal articles and books, finding and reviewing market and industry research reports. locating relevant statistics, accessing trend information.

Primary research is done by you, or someone you hire or contract, and includes research specific to your idea.  Primary research may include interviews, focus groups, surveys, and observation. 

Examples of primary research methods


illustration of primary research methods

Examples of secondary research resources


illustration of primary research methods

Survey tools