What type of research is considered primary research?

Primary research refers to the process of gathering new and original data directly from sources rather than relying on previously collected data. This type of research involves firsthand engagement, which can include techniques such as surveys, interviews, observations, and experiments conducted by the researcher themselves. The advantage of primary research is that the data collected is tailored specifically to the researcher's inquiry, which can provide more relevant and precise information regarding their specific questions or hypotheses.

In contrast, the other options mention methods that involve utilizing existing data or resources. For example, pre-existing studies, online surveys (if they are just leveraging existing sample pools rather than original engagement), and government data typically represent secondary research methods, utilizing information already collected by others rather than generating new data.