What type of data is specifically collected for the current research problem?

Primary data is specifically collected for the current research problem because it addresses the specific questions and hypotheses that the research aims to explore. Researchers gather primary data through direct methods such as surveys, interviews, experiments, or observations tailored to the study's objectives. This data is original and directly applicable to the issue at hand, allowing for deeper insights since it reflects current conditions and perspectives relevant to the research question.

In contrast, secondary data consists of information that has already been collected and published by others, such as reports, academic articles, or databases. While secondary data can be valuable for providing context or background, it does not specifically address the unique needs of the current research problem.

Tertiary data refers to synthesized or summarized information derived from primary and secondary sources, such as encyclopedias and literature reviews, and is further removed from the original data collection process. Similarly, meta-data pertains to data about data, providing details on how, when, and where data was collected, rather than the content or insights of the data itself. Thus, the uniqueness and immediacy of primary data make it the correct choice for research directly related to the current problem.