Which term best describes research done firsthand for the first time?

The term that best describes research conducted firsthand for the first time is primary research. This involves collecting original data that has not been previously gathered or analyzed. Primary research can take many forms, including surveys, interviews, observations, and experiments, and it allows researchers to obtain first-hand insights, perspectives, and information directly relevant to their study or inquiry.

By engaging directly with the data collection process, researchers can tailor their methodologies to suit their specific objectives and hypotheses, thereby ensuring the information they obtain is accurate and pertinent to their needs. This is particularly important in fields where understanding the current context, trends, or behaviors is crucial for drawing meaningful conclusions and making informed decisions.

In contrast, secondary research involves analyzing data that has already been collected and published by others, which may provide valuable context but does not offer the unique insights that come from original data collection. Tertiary research typically synthesizes this existing information or provides overviews, while experimental research is a specific type of primary research focused on testing hypotheses in controlled settings.