Research studies that focus on primary data collection by the researcher are called what?

Research studies that prioritize primary data collection by the researcher are known as prospective studies. In these studies, the researcher actively collects new data by following a group of subjects over time to observe outcomes as they occur. This forward-looking approach allows researchers to investigate cause-and-effect relationships and assess how specific variables influence participants.

Prospective studies are distinct from retrospective studies, which analyze existing data collected in the past, and from qualitative studies, which may focus on non-numerical data or subjective experiences rather than empirical measurements. Similarly, secondary studies synthesize existing research rather than generating new data. By focusing on collecting primary data through observations or experiments, prospective studies provide a robust framework for advancing scientific knowledge.