Which of the following methods is typically used to collect primary data?

The correct answer highlights the methods that are effective for gathering primary data directly from sources. Surveys and observations are key techniques for collecting primary data because they involve the direct engagement of participants or subjects to obtain firsthand information. Surveys enable researchers to ask specific questions to target groups, while observations allow them to gather data based on actual behaviors or interactions in real-world settings.

Using these methods, a researcher can tailor the questions and observation criteria to meet specific research objectives, ensuring the data collected is relevant and current. This direct interaction fosters a deeper understanding of consumer attitudes, preferences, and behaviors, which is essential for making informed marketing decisions.

Other options, like competitor analysis, focus groups only, and sales data analysis, do not fully encapsulate the breadth of primary data collection practices. Competitor analysis typically utilizes secondary data, focus groups, while effective, are not the only means of primary data collection, and sales data analysis generally relies on existing data rather than gathering new, firsthand information.