Which of the following is a disadvantage of primary data collection?

• A. Data may include personal bias.
• B. Data is always objective.
• C. Data is quick to collect.
• D. Data covers large areas.

Answer: (A)

Collecting data yourself can give highly relevant and up-to-date information, but a key drawback is the potential for personal bias to influence results. How questions are worded, who is chosen to respond, and how a researcher records or interprets answers can all introduce subjectivity. This can make findings less objective and lead to conclusions that reflect expectations or viewpoints rather than reality.

Saying data is always objective isn’t accurate, because biases can arise even with careful planning. Primary data collection also isn’t quick to collect; it requires time and resources. And while it can cover specific sites well, it doesn’t typically span large areas as easily as secondary data might.