DA0-002 Data Concepts and Environments Practice Question
A researcher wants to study the effect of a new drug. She collects data directly from clinical trial participants. Later, she compares her findings with historical data from medical journals. Which contrast best describes her data sources?
⚠ Common exam trap
Candidates often confuse 'internal vs. external' (Option A) with 'primary vs. secondary' because both involve a contrast between data from the researcher's own work versus outside sources, but the DA0-001 exam specifically tests the distinction based on whether the data was collected firsthand (primary) or reused from existing records (secondary).
Answer choices
Why each option matters
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
Primary vs. Secondary
The researcher is directly collecting data from clinical trial participants (primary data) and then comparing it with historical data from medical journals (secondary data). Primary data is original data collected firsthand for a specific purpose, while secondary data is pre-existing data collected by others for different purposes. This contrast directly maps to the primary vs. secondary data classification in data management.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
Internal vs. External
Why it's wrong here
Both are external to the researcher's organization? Actually trial data is internal to the study, but primary vs secondary is more precise.
- ✗
Quantitative vs. Qualitative
Why it's wrong here
Both datasets are likely quantitative (trial results, published statistics).
- ✗
Structured vs. Unstructured
Why it's wrong here
Both datasets could be structured (tables, spreadsheets).
- ✓
Primary vs. Secondary
Why this is correct
Primary data is collected firsthand; secondary data is obtained from existing sources.
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