Which method is considered a type of primary research?

Focus groups are considered a form of primary research because they involve collecting original data directly from participants through guided discussions. This method allows researchers to gain insights into participants' thoughts, perceptions, and feelings about a certain product, service, or topic. The data gathered is specific to the research question being addressed and is not reliant on previously published sources or studies.

In contrast, a literature review involves analyzing existing studies and publications, which is a secondary research method. Market trends analysis looks at already available data to discern patterns over time, meaning it also falls under secondary research. Online reviews are another form of secondary data, as they collate opinions and feedback that have already been published by consumers, rather than generating new data from targeted inquiries. This distinction clarifies why focus groups are classified as primary research, making them a valuable tool for gaining fresh insights directly from the target audience.