What is the primary disadvantage of relying solely on secondary data?

Relying solely on secondary data often presents the challenge of specificity, which makes it a primary disadvantage. Secondary data refers to information that has been collected by someone else for a purpose different from the current research. As a result, the data may not directly address the specific objectives or research questions at hand. This lack of alignment can lead to findings that are too broad or not sufficiently detailed for the immediate context, making it less useful for drawing precise conclusions or making informed decisions in the present scenario.

While some may think that issues of cost or accessibility could be limiting factors, secondary data is often less expensive and more readily available compared to primary data collection methods. Additionally, up-to-date information can vary based on the source of secondary data, but it is not an inherent flaw of secondary data itself. Thus, the primary disadvantage centers around its potential inability to meet specific research needs effectively.