Information

Data is raw facts and figures whereas information is data that has been processed and turned into something meaningful.

Primary information (aka Field Research) is gathered first hand. It can be collected by surveys, questionnaires, interviews (face to face, postal and telephone)

Secondary information (aka Desk Research) is second hand and already published/gathered. Examples are: Internet, Government stats, newspapers, MINTEL (market intelligence), reference books

Internal - this is collected by the organisation and held within their organisation. Examples could be sales figures, customer databases, employee databases, staff/holiday rotas.

External - this is found outwith the organisation. It can be collected from the internet, government stats, trade journals, newspapers.