Which type of data is typically collected through surveys?

Surveys are a key method for gathering insights directly from individuals, making the data collected through this method classified as primary information. Primary information is original data gathered for a specific research purpose, and surveys provide researchers with firsthand accounts, opinions, and experiences of respondents. This type of data is particularly valuable because it reflects the current and specific attitudes or behaviors related to the research topic, allowing businesses to tailor their strategies accordingly.

Surveys can also lead to both qualitative and quantitative data. For example, open-ended survey questions can yield qualitative insights, while structured questions with set answer choices can accumulate quantitative data. However, the defining characteristic of the data collected through surveys is that it is primary, as it is obtained directly from the respondents rather than being sourced from previously published or existing datasets.