Which term refers to data collected firsthand for a specific purpose?

The term that refers to data collected firsthand for a specific purpose is primary data. This type of data is gathered directly from original sources through methods such as surveys, interviews, or experiments, and is tailored to meet the specific objectives of a research study. The key characteristic of primary data is its direct relevance and specificity, as it is designed to address particular questions or hypotheses posed by the researcher.

In contrast, secondary data is information that has been collected by someone else for a different purpose. While it can be useful and cost-effective for research, it may not always align perfectly with the needs of the current investigation. Qualitative data pertains to non-numeric information that aims to capture qualities, characteristics, or subjective experiences, while quantitative data is numerical and focuses on measurable variables. Understanding these distinctions is important as they help researchers choose the appropriate data collection methods based on their specific research goals.