Subjective data collection occurs when personal opinion influences the outcome. Which option best names this type?

Subjective data collection occurs when personal opinion influences the outcome. Which option best names this type?

• A. Objective
• B. Subjective
• C. Primary
• D. Secondary

Answer: (B)

Subjective data is data influenced by personal opinions, feelings, or beliefs rather than by objective, measurable facts. The description fits this because personal opinion shapes the outcome. Objective data, in contrast, is factual and can be measured independently of who collects it. Primary and secondary refer to where the data comes from—collected firsthand by the researcher versus from existing sources—rather than to how opinionated it is. An example of subjective data is someone’s personal rating of a street’s safety or a market’s liveliness, which can vary from person to person.

Subjective data is data influenced by personal opinions, feelings, or beliefs rather than by objective, measurable facts. The description fits this because personal opinion shapes the outcome. Objective data, in contrast, is factual and can be measured independently of who collects it. Primary and secondary refer to where the data comes from—collected firsthand by the researcher versus from existing sources—rather than to how opinionated it is. An example of subjective data is someone’s personal rating of a street’s safety or a market’s liveliness, which can vary from person to person.