Primary research should be 'needs-led', i.e. it should be an attempt to gather information which is not readily available, for a clearly defined purpose. This may seem a statement of the obvious, but the increasing sophistication, availability and ease-of-use of computer software packages to assist in survey design, processing and analysis has led to an increase in survey-led research, i.e. research in which the need for a survey is implicit or presumed within the work, rather than being specifically justified.
Another issue often overlooked in undertaking primary research is the need to agree a code of conduct prior to starting work. Such ethical considerations are necessary to ensure that the research is objective and accurate, that consideration is given to the sensitivity of the questions asked and the answers given, and that confidentiality of respondents is respected.
nce a clear need has been established for primary research, its aims made explicit and general principles relating to conducting the research have been agreed, the issues of design and data collection must be addressed.
Last Updated: March 2001