Primary data are data collected directly in relation to a research subject „in the field.“ In field research, this may include field observations and corresponding notes in field journals, interview transcripts, conversation protocols, as well as quantitative data collected through questionnaires, and data created with and by research participants, such as photographs, films, etc.

In contrast, secondary dataSecondary data are data derived from primary data through further processing steps (e.g., statistical analyses) and then serve as a basis for additional evaluations. Secondary data are derived from primary data but no longer reflect the original form of the primary data. In social and cultural anthropology, this distinction between primary and secondary data, which is significant in statistics, is of little relevance. Read More are created through reuseData reuse, often referred to as secondary use, involves re-examining previously collected and published research datasets with the aim of gaining new insights, potentially from a different or fresh perspective. Preparing research data for reuse requires significantly more effort in terms of anonymization, preparation, and documentation than simple archiving for storage purposes. Read More, meaning an additional processing step (e.g., statistical analysis) of the primary data. Secondary data no longer reflect the original form of the primary data.