The correct answer is C. Both primary and secondary data.
A research paper is a brief report of research work based on both primary and secondary data. Primary data is data that is collected by the researcher for the specific purpose of the study. Secondary data is data that has already been collected by someone else for a different purpose.
Primary data is often more accurate and reliable than secondary data, because it is collected specifically for the study at hand. However, primary data can be more time-consuming and expensive to collect. Secondary data is often less accurate and reliable than primary data, because it was not collected specifically for the study at hand. However, secondary data is often more readily available and less expensive to collect.
Researchers often use a combination of primary and secondary data in their research. This allows them to get the benefits of both types of data. Primary data can provide more accurate and reliable information, while secondary data can provide more timely and cost-effective information.
Here is a brief explanation of each option:
- Option A: Primary data only. Primary data is data that is collected by the researcher for the specific purpose of the study. This type of data is often more accurate and reliable than secondary data, because it is collected specifically for the study at hand. However, primary data can be more time-consuming and expensive to collect.
- Option B: Secondary data only. Secondary data is data that has already been collected by someone else for a different purpose. This type of data is often less accurate and reliable than primary data, because it was not collected specifically for the study at hand. However, secondary data is often more readily available and less expensive to collect.
- Option C: Both primary and secondary data. Researchers often use a combination of primary and secondary data in their research. This allows them to get the benefits of both types of data. Primary data can provide more accurate and reliable information, while secondary data can provide more timely and cost-effective information.
- Option D: None of the above. This option is incorrect, because research papers are based on both primary and secondary data.