What type of research is categorized as primary research?

Primary research refers to the process of gathering new and original data directly from a source for a specific purpose. It involves collecting firsthand information that is tailored to address specific research questions or objectives.

In the context of the provided choices, conducting research firsthand, such as through questionnaires, exemplifies primary research. This approach enables researchers to gather unique insights directly from participants, ensuring that the data collected is relevant and specific to the subject being studied. This can include observing behaviors, conducting interviews, or distributing surveys directly to the target population.

On the other hand, the other options either involve secondary data or do not involve direct engagement with the research subjects. For instance, surveys conducted by third parties may not provide original data since the information was collected by another entity. Analyzing market trends incorporates existing data rather than creating new data, and reviewing historical data involves looking back at previously collected information rather than gathering current insights directly from respondents.