See discussions, stats, and author profiles for this publication at: https://www.researchgate.

net/publication/370608670

A Review on Primary Sources of Data and Secondary Sources of Data

Article · May 2023

CITATIONS READS

8 46,354

1 author:

Victor Oluwatosin Ajayi

Prince Abubakar Audu University Anyigba (Formally Kogi State University Anyigba)
75 PUBLICATIONS 454 CITATIONS

SEE PROFILE

All content following this page was uploaded by Victor Oluwatosin Ajayi on 09 May 2023.

The user has requested enhancement of the downloaded file.

 RESEARCH ARTICLE
European Journal ofEducation and Pedagogy
www.ej-edu.org

A Review on Primary Sources of Data and Secondary

Sources of Data

Victor Oluwatosin Ajayi, PhD

ABSTRACT
The paper discussed sources of data. Data is a set of values of qualitative or
quantitative variables. Data is facts or figures from which conclusions can be Published Online: February 30,2023
drawn. Before one can present and interpret information, there has to be a ISSN:2736-4534
process of gathering and sorting data. Just as trees are the raw material from
DOI :19810.21091/ejedu.YEAR2023.Vol 2.Issue.3
which paper is produced, so too, can data be viewed as the raw material from
which information is obtained. It is evident from the above discussion that Victor Oluwatosin Ajayi, PhD
primary data is an original and unique data, which is directly collected by the Department of Science and Mathematics
researcher from a source such as observations, surveys, questionnaires, case Education, Benue State University,
studies and interviews according to his requirements
Makurdi, Nigeria
Keywords: Data, Primary sources of data, Secondary sources of data. [email protected]

I. INTRODUCTION for the first time by the researcher while secondary data is
Data is a set of values of qualitative or quantitative the data already collected or produced by others. There are
variables. Data is facts or figures from which conclusions many differences between primary and secondary data,
can be drawn. Before one can present and interpret which are discussed in this work. But the most important
information, there has to be a process of gathering and difference is that primary data is factual and original where
sorting data. Just as trees are the raw material from which as secondary data is just the analysis and interpretation of the
paper is produced, so too, can data be viewed as the raw primary data. While primary data is collected with an aim for
material from which information is obtained (Ajayi, 2016). getting solution to the problem at hand, secondary data is
Data as a general concept refers to the fact that some collected for other purposes. The fundamental differences
existing information or knowledge is represented or coded in between primary and secondary data are; the term primary
some form suitable for better usage or processing. Data is data refers to the data originated by the researcher for the
collected and analyzed; data only becomes information first time while secondary data is the already existing data
suitable for making decision in some fashion. Gathering data collected by the investigator agencies and organisations
can be accomplished through a primary source (researcher is earlier. Primary data is a real-time data whereas secondary
the first persont oobtain the data) or a secondary source (the data is one which relates to the past (Mesly, 2015). Primary
researcher obtains the data that has already been collected data is collected for addressing the problem at hand while
by other sources, such as data disseminated in a scientific secondary data is collected for purposes other than the
journal). problem at hand. Primary data collection is a very involved
Difference between primary data and secondary data process. On the other hand, secondary data collection
Data collection plays a very crucial role in the process is rapid and easy. Primary data sources includes
statistical analysis. In research, there are different methods surveys, observations, experiments, questionnaire, personal
used to gather information, all of which fall into two interview etc. on the other contrary, secondary data
categories, i.e. primary and secondary data (Douglas, 2015). collection sources are government publications, websites,
As the name suggests, primary data is one which is collected books, journal articles, internal records and so on.

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/19810.21091/ejedu.2023.VOL.2ISSUE.3 Vol 2 | Issue 3 | April 2023 1

 RESEARCH ARTICLE
European Journal ofEducation and Pedagogy
www.ej-edu.org

Comparison between Primary Data and Secondary Data

Basis for Primary Data Secondary Data
Comparison
1. Meaning Primary data refers to the first Secondary data means data
hand data gathered by the collected by someone else earlier.
researcher himself.

2. Data Real time data Past data

3. Process Very involved Quick and easy

4. Sources Surveys, personal interview Government publications, websites,

experiments, observations, books, journal articles, internal
questionnaire, etc. records etc

5. Cost effectiveness Expensive Economical

6. Collection time Long Short

7. Specific Always specific to the May or may not be specific to the

researcher’s needs researcher’s need

8. Available Crude form Refined form

9. Accuracy and Reliability More Relatively

Sources of Primary Data is defined as accurate watching and noting of phenomena as

Primary data refer to the first hand data gathered by the they occur in nature with regards to cause and effect relation.

researcher himself. Some sources of primary data are iii. Questionnaires: Questionnaire as one of the primary

surveys, observations, questionnaires, focus groups, case sources of data is an observational technique which

study and interviews as highlighted: comprises series of items presented to a respondent in a

i. Survey: Survey method is one of the primary sources written form, in which the individual is expected to respond

of data which is used to collect quantitative information in writing. Here the respondents are given list of written

about items in a population. Surveys are used in different items which he responds to by ticking the one he considers

areas for collecting the data even in public and private appropriate.

sectors. A survey may be conducted in the field by the iv. Focus Groups: It explore a topic in depth through

researcher. The respondents are contacted by the research group discussion.

person personally, telephonically or through mail. This v. Case Study: Understand an experience or conduct

method takes a lot of time, efforts and money but the data comprehensive examination through cross comparison of

collected are of high accuracy, current and relevant to the cases.

topic. When the questions are administered by a researcher, vi. Interview: Interviewing is a technique that is

the survey is called a structured interview or a researcher primarily used to gain an understanding of the underlying

administered survey. reasons and motivations for people’s attitudes, preferences

ii. Observations: Is one of the primary sources of data. or behaviour. Interviews can be undertaken on a personal

Observation is a technique for obtaining information one-to-one basis or in a group.

involves measuring variables or gathering of data necessary Source of Secondary Data

for measuring the variable under investigation. Observation Secondary sources mean data collected by someone else
earlier. Secondary data are the data collected by a party not
related to the research study but collected these data for

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/19810.21091/ejedu.2023.VOL.2ISSUE.3 Vol 2 | Issue 3 | April 2023 2

 RESEARCH ARTICLE
European Journal ofEducation and Pedagogy
www.ej-edu.org

some other purpose and at different time in the past. If the accessible but are not pure as they have undergone through
researcher uses these data then these become secondary data many statistical treatments. Some sources of secondary data
for the current users. Sources of secondary data are are government publications, websites, books, journal
government publications websites, books, journal articles, articles and internal records.
internal records. References
Conclusion Douglas, M. (2015). Meaning of data. Retrieved on 22nd
September, 2017 Retrieved on 21st June 2020 from
It is evident from the above discussion that primary data is http://www.onlineetymologydictionary/data
an original and unique data, which is directly collected by the Mesly,O.(2015). Creating models in psychological research.
Etats-Unis: Springer press.
researcher from a source such as observations, surveys,
questionnaires, case studies and interviews according to his
requirements. As opposed to secondary data which is easily

About the author

VICTOR OLUWATOSIN AJAYI, PhD

B.Sc. Ed. Chemistry (UNN), M.Ed., Ph.D Science
Education (BSU), FRHD, MSTAN, MTRCN.

Dept; of Science and Mathematics Education, Faculty of

Education, Benue State University, Makurdi; Benue State,
Nigeria

SECTION A: BIODATA

View my Research on:

http://www.ssrn.com/author=2731803 or
http://www.researchgate.net/profile/Victor-Ajayi-4

Place of Birth and State of Origin: Ado Ekiti/ Ekiti State

Sex: Male

Nationality: Nigerian

Current Postal Address: C/o Dr. Victor Ajayi,

Dept; of Science and Mathematics Education,
Faculty of Education,
Benue State University,
Makurdi; Benue State.

Cell Phone Number: 08034012521 or 08080890039

Email Address: [email protected]

Marital Status: Married

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/19810.21091/ejedu.2023.VOL.2ISSUE.3 Vol 2 | Issue 3 | April 2023 3

 RESEARCH ARTICLE
European Journal ofEducation and Pedagogy
www.ej-edu.org

SECTION B: EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTIONS ATTENDED AND QUALIFICATIONS WITH

DATES

1. Benue State University, Makurdi Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) Science 2017-2019

Education
2. Benue State University, Makurdi Master of Education (M.Ed) Science 2014-2016
Education
3. Benue State University, Makurdi Certificate in Statistical Package for Social 2015
Sciences (SPSS)
4. University of Nigeria, Nsukka Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.) in 2006-2009
Education/Chemistry (Second Class Upper
Division)
5. SUBEB Computer Training Institute in Diploma in Computer Studies (Upper 2006
Affiliation with University of Ado Ekiti now Credit)
Ekiti State University, Ado Ekiti.
6. Government Science College, Ayede Ekiti Senior School Examination Certificate 2003-2005
(SSCE)
7. Christ School, Ado Ekiti Junior Secondary School Examination 1999-2002
Certificate
8. St. Michael Catholic Pry School, Ado Ekiti Primary School Leaving Certificate 1993-1998
SECTION C: WORKING EXPERIENCE WITH DATES

Teaching Experience

1. Lecturer, Science Education 2013-till date

SECTION E: MEMBERSHIP OF PROFESSIONAL/LEARNED ASSOCIATION WITH

DATES

1. Member, Teacher Registration Council of Nigeria (MTRCN) 2012

2. Member, Science Teachers Association of Nigeria (MSTAN) 2013

3. Fellow, Strategic Institute for Natural Resource and Human Development (FRHD) 2013
4. Member, International Strategic Management Institute (MISMI) 2013

5. Certified Professional, Professional Project Management (PPM) (PPL/2013Jal/018) 2013

6. Certified Member, Health, Safety, Security, and Environment (HSE) 2013

SECTION F: EDITORIAL EXPERIENCE WITH DATES

1. Reviewer and Member, Open Journals of Education Development (OJED) 2021-till date

2. Editor, International of Scientific Literacy and Education (ISLD) 2020-til date

3. Assistant Editor, International Journal of Literacy and Education (IJLD) 2019-till date

4. Advisory Board Member, Journal of Humanities and Education Development (JHED) 2018-till date

SECTION G: PRIZES AND AWARDS WITH DATES

1. PhD Scholarship Award for Outstanding Students of Ekiti State Origin Pursuing 2018
Postgraduate Studies in Nigerian/Foreign Tertiary Institutions

2. Merit Award for Meritorious Service, being a member of the NDLEA/NYSC drug free 2013
club (Ardo-Kola Chapter, Jalingo Taraba State)

3. Merit Award for Meritorious Service as President, National Association of Nigeria 2010
Students (NANS), University of Nigeria, Nsukka

4. Merit Award for Meritorious Service as President, Students Chemical Society of 2010
Nigeria, University of Nigeria, Nsukka

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/19810.21091/ejedu.2023.VOL.2ISSUE.3 Vol 2 | Issue 3 | April 2023 4

 RESEARCH ARTICLE
European Journal ofEducation and Pedagogy
www.ej-edu.org

5. Merit Award for Meritorious Service as Honourable Member, Legislative Arm of 2010
Students’ Union Government, College of Education, Ikere Ekiti

6. Merit Award for Meritorious Service as Course Representative, Chemistry Department, 2010
University of Nigeria, Nsukka
7. Merit Award for Meritorious Service as Constitution Review Secretary of Students’ 2010
Union Government Legislative Arm of College of Education, Ikere Ekiti

8. Scholarship Award for Brilliant Undergraduate Students of Ekiti State Origin in 2008; 2009
Nigerian Tertiary Institutions

9. Merit Award for Meritorious Service in Coordinating Government Science College 2005
Ayede School Assembly Debate

10. Best Graduating Student in Agricultural Science from Government Science College, 2005
Ayede Ekiti

SECTION H: PROJECT/DISSERTATION/THEIS

1. Ajayi, V.O. (2020). Effects of predict-explain-observe-explain and Vee heuristic strategies on students’
achievement, metacognitive awareness and self-efficacy belief in organic chemistry in Ekiti State, Nigeria.
Published PhD. Thesis, Benue State University, Makurdi.

2. Ajayi, V.O. (2017). Effect of hands-on activities on achievement and retention of senior secondary chemistry
students in stoichiometry in Zone C of Benue State. Published M.Ed. Dissertation, Benue State University,
Makurdi.

3. Ajayi, V.O. (2010). Perceived areas of difficulties in senior secondary school Chemistry syllabus in Ado
Local Government Area of Ekiti State. Unpublished B.Sc. Project, University of Nigeria, Nsukka

SECTION I: RESEARCH AND PUBLICATIONS

Journal Papers (View my research on my SSRN scholar page: http:ssrn.com/author=2731803)

1. Ogbeba, J., & Ajayi, V.O. (2016). Effect of hands-on activities on achievement and retention of senior
secondary chemistry students in stoichiometry. Journal of the International Centre for Science, Humanities
and Education Research, 2(2), 54-59.

2. Ajayi, V.O. (2017). Effect of hands-on activity-based method on interest of senior secondary students in
organic chemistry. Scholarly Journal of Education, 6(1), 1-5.

3. Ajayi, V.O. (2017). Relationship between teachers’ content knowledge, qualifications, experience and
students’ achievement in chemistry. Scholarly Journal of Education, 6(1), 14-20.
4. Ajayi, V.O., & Ogbeba, J. (2017). Effect of gender on senior secondary chemistry students’ achievement in
stoichiometry using hands-on activities. American Journal Educational Research, 5(8), 839-842.

5. Ogbeba, J., & Ajayi, V.O. (2017). Effect of hands-on activities on skills acquisition of senior secondary
students in physical chemistry. Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Journal of Science, Technology and Mathematics
Education, 2(1), 40-50.

6. Ajayi, V.O., & Ogbeba, J. (2017). Effects of hands-on activity-based and demonstration methods on senior
secondary students’ achievement in physical chemistry. University of Jos, Institute of Education Journal of
Educational Studies, 9 (1), 521-533.

7. Ajayi, V.O., Achor, E.E., & Agogo, P.O. (2017). Comparative effects of collaborative concept mapping and
concept mapping instructional strategies on students’ achievement and retention in redox reactions. Journal of
Education, Benue State University Makurdi, 17(3), 67-74.
8. Ajayi, V.O., Achor, E.E., & Agogo, P.O. (2017). Use of ethnochemistry teaching approach and achievement
and retention of senior secondary students in standard mixture separation techniques. Journal of the
International Centre for Science, Humanities and Education Research, 3(1), 21-30.

9. Ajayi, V.O., & Angura, M.T. (2017). Improving senior secondary students’ retention in electrolysis using
collaborative concept mapping instructional strategy (CCMIS). Greener Journal Educational Research, 7(6),
087-092.

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/19810.21091/ejedu.2023.VOL.2ISSUE.3 Vol 2 | Issue 3 | April 2023 5

 RESEARCH ARTICLE
European Journal ofEducation and Pedagogy
www.ej-edu.org

10. Ajayi, V.O., Agamber, S.T., & Angura, M.T. (2017). Effect of gender on students’ interest in standard
mixture separation techniques using ethnochemistry teaching approach. Sky Journal Educational Research,
5(5), 053-059.

11. Ajayi, V.O., Audu, C.T., & Ajayi, E.E. (2017). Influence of class size on students’ classroom discipline,
engagement and communication: A case study of senior secondary schools in Ekiti State, Nigeria, Sky
Journal of Educational Research, 5(5), 060-067.

12. Audu, C.T., Ajayi, V.O., & Angura, M.T. (2017). Do guided and structured inquiry instructional strategies
have any comparative effects on students’ achievement in basic science and technology? A field report.
Journal of Education and Practice, 8(33), 81-88.

13. Ajayi, E.E., Aboho, D.A., & Ajayi, V.O. (2018). Effects of experiential and inquiry teaching strategies on
upper basic students’ achievement in social studies. Journal of Education, Benue State University Makurdi,
18(1), 119-129.

14. Ajayi, V.O. (2018). Improving senior secondary students’ self-efficacy belief in organic chemistry using
Kolb’s and 5E’s learning models. Journal of Education, Benue State University Makurdi, 18(2), 219-230.

15. Agamber, S.T., Achor, E.E., & Ajayi, V.O. (2019). Enhancing students’ motivation and self-efficacy belief in
solving biology related problems using frequent practical work. Journal of the International Centre for
Science, Humanities and Education Research, 4(2), 20-30.

16. Ogbeba, J., Enemarie, V., & Ajayi, V.O. (2019). Students’ Achievement in basic science and technology as a
predictor of quality science education. Journal of the International Centre for Science, Humanities and
Education Research, 4(2), 178-187.

17. Ajayi, V.O., Achor, E.E., & Otor, E.E. (2019). Improving teaching quality in science education using Kolb’s
learning model and 5E learning model. Journal of Research in Curriculum and Teaching, Benue State
University Makurdi, 11(1), 1-13.

18. Ajayi, V.O., Achor, E.E., & Otor, E.E. (2020). What kind of professional development activities and
motivations do science teachers need for effective job performance? Towards education for sustainable
development. Journal of Education, Benue State University Makurdi, 20(1), 34-44.

19. Ajayi, V.O., Achor, E.E., & Otor, E.E. (2020). Will collaborative think and do-activity enhance students’
academic performance in chemistry? A field report. Journal of Education, Benue State University Makurdi,
20(1), 1-10.

20. Uyeh, T.D., Tor-Anyiin, S. A. & Ajayi, V.O. (2020). Is there any relationship between emotional intelligence
and career performance of academic staff of public colleges of education in Benue State, Nigeria? A field
report. Journal of Education, Benue State University Makurdi, 20(1), 120-130.

21. Ajayi, V.O., Achor, E.E., & Otor, E.E. (2020). Do predict-explain-observe-explain and Vee heuristic
strategies have the potentials to eliminate gender difference in students’ achievement in organic chemistry? A
field report. BSU Journal of Science, Mathematics and Computer Education, 1(1), 13-21.

22. Achor E, E., Ajayi, V.O., Ikwu, A. G., Onyeche, E.I. (2020). A survey of teachers’ challenges of assessing
domains of educational objectives and bloom’s taxonomy levels in Social Studies in Benue State, Nigeria.
Journal of the International Centre for Science, Humanities and Education Research, 4(3), 71-83.

23. Ajayi, V.O., Achor, E.E., & Otor, E.E. (2020). Effect of organic chemistry pedagogies with PEOE, VH and
discussion strategies on students’ achievement in Ekiti State, Nigeria. International Journal of Education and
Learning, 2(2), 96-104.

24. Ajayi, V.O., & Audu, C.T. (2020). In search of viable pedagogy in chemistry that could improve students’
self-confidence: A consideration of Predict-Observe-Explain-Elaborate-Write-Evaluate (POE2WE) or
discussion strategies? Journal of Education, Kogi State University Anyigba, 1(1), 12-32.

25. Ajayi, V.O., & Ogbeba, J. (2021). Possibility of improving students’ engagement and academic performance
in chemistry using three-dimensional puzzle-based instructional strategy: A field report. Journal of
Education, Kogi State University Anyigba, 1(2), 30-42.

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/19810.21091/ejedu.2023.VOL.2ISSUE.3 Vol 2 | Issue 3 | April 2023 6

 RESEARCH ARTICLE
European Journal ofEducation and Pedagogy
www.ej-edu.org

26. Audu, C.T., & Ajayi, V.O. (2017). Science and Technology Education as tools for acquisition of innovative
and entrepreneurial skills for poverty eradication towards sustainable development. Intuition Journal, 3(1), 1-
16.

27. Ajayi, V.O. (2022). Likelihood of upgrading students’ problem solving ability and self-confidence in
stoichiometry and chemical reactions using chemometrics techniques. International Journal of Science
Education, 2(3), 34-41.

28. Ajayi, V.O. (2022). Design and Utilization of collaborative Vee Mapping (CVM) instructional package and
students learning outcomes in chemistry in Nigeria. Journal of Science and Literacy, 3(4), 10-19.

29. Ajayi, V.O. (2022). Two constructivist models based training programmes and pre-service teachers’ teaching
quality and students’ learning outcomes in Chemistry. Journal of Innovative Education, 2(7), 65-73.

30. Ajayi, V.O. (2022). Sequential instructional strategies and students’ self-confidence and problem solving
ability in chemistry in Nigeria. J. of Technical Education, 2(1), 34-44.

31. Ajayi, V.O. (2022). Students’ Multi-variant variables as predictor of academic performance in chemistry in
Benue State, Nigeria. International Journal of Science and Creative Education, 4(1), 44-54.

32. Uyeh, D.T. & Ajayi, V.O. (2023). Likelihood of enhancing self-confidence of academic staff of public
Colleges of Education Using emotional intelligence instructional package: Towards effective job
performance. Journal of Advanced Research in Education, 2(2), 34-40.

33. Audu, C.T. & Ajayi, V.O. (2023). Socio-economic status, truancy, learning styles, peer pressure and gender
as correlates of undergraduate students’ academic performance in Taraba State University Jalingo, Nigeria.
Journal of Advanced Research in Education, 2(3), 13 -23.

Chapter Contributions

32. Enemarie, V., Ogbeba, J., & Ajayi, V.O. (2019). Students’ Achievement in basic science in basic education
certificate examination as a predictor of their performance in biology in senior secondary certificate
examination. In Emaikwu, S.O., Obinne, A.D.E., Okwara, O.K., & Wombo, A.B. (Ed,). A discourse on
educational issues (pp. 281-295). Makurdi: Hipex Monarch Academy and Consult Limited.

Conference Attended

1. Participated in the 1st National Conference on issues of quality education in Nigeria. Held on 25th-27th July,
2018 at the Twin Lecture Threatre A, Benue State University, Makurdi.

2. Participated in the 5th National Conference on Research in Education for Sustainable development in Nigeria.
Held on 7th-10th November, 2018 at the Benue State University, Makurdi.

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/19810.21091/ejedu.2023.VOL.2ISSUE.3 Vol 2 | Issue 3 | April 2023 7

View publication stats