What type of research involves data collected by the researcher that does not currently exist?

Primary research is the correct answer because it specifically refers to the process in which data is collected directly by the researcher for a specific purpose. This type of research often involves gathering new data through methods such as surveys, interviews, observations, or experiments. Since it encompasses data that did not previously exist, it allows researchers to gain insights tailored to their specific research questions or objectives.

In contrast, secondary research involves the use of existing data that has already been collected by others, such as academic articles, reports, or databases. Therefore, it does not involve the generation of new data. Qualitative research is a broader category that describes methods focused on understanding human behavior and opinions, often utilizing open-ended questions, but it can involve either primary or secondary data. Experimental research is a specific type of primary research that tests hypotheses through controlled conditions, but it is still a subset of the broader primary research category. Thus, primary research is the only option that directly relates to the collection of new and non-existent data by the researcher.