CHES (Certified Health Education Specialist) Practice Exam 2025 – Your All-in-One Guide to Exam Success!

Primary data refers to information that is collected firsthand by a researcher for a specific research purpose. This means that the data has not been previously published or gathered for any other study. When surveys are conducted by the specialist or researcher themselves, they are directly collecting data from participants, which is tailored to their unique research objectives. This method allows for specific questions to be asked, and enables the researcher to gather fresh insights and perspectives that are pertinent to their study. This direct engagement leads to the development of original and relevant data that accurately reflects the current situation being studied, which is the defining feature of primary data.

In contrast, data gathered from published studies, compiled from existing records, or shared from other health organizations all represent secondary data sources, as they reuse information that has already been collected and analyzed by others.