Which of the following is a method of primary research?

• A. Market reports
• B. Questionnaires
• C. Government statistics
• D. Annual statements

Answer: (B)

Primary research means gathering new information directly to answer a specific question. A questionnaire fits this because you design it to collect fresh responses from people, creating original data for your study. This hands-on data collection is what makes it primary.

The other options bring existing information that someone else has already gathered. Market reports are analyses of published data from various sources. Government statistics are compiled by official bodies from already available data. Annual statements are financial reports prepared to show a company’s past performance to stakeholders. None of these involve collecting new data that answers your particular research question, so they are secondary sources.