Which of the following is NOT a primary research method?

• A. Questionnaires
• B. Market analysis
• C. Focus groups
• D. Consumer panels

Answer: (B)

The key idea is the difference between primary and secondary research. Primary research means collecting new data directly for your study. Questionnaires, focus groups and consumer panels all involve gathering fresh information from people for your own analysis. Market analysis, on the other hand, usually involves looking at existing information about the market—reports, statistics, and published data—so it relies on secondary sources unless you’ve created new data as part of your analysis. So market analysis is not a primary research method.