What does a data file primarily contain?

A data file primarily contains all the records collected during a study. This encompasses the raw data that is gathered through various methods, such as surveys, experiments, or observational studies. These records represent the information that researchers will later analyze to derive insights, test hypotheses, and make decisions based on the data.

In the context of business research for decision making, a data file serves as the foundational component from which conclusions are drawn. It includes not only the values and responses collected but also can include categorizations or identifiers that help organize and facilitate analysis.

The other options, while related to data and research, do not accurately describe the primary contents of a data file. Visual representations of data pertain to charts and graphs that illustrate findings, but not the data itself. The methodology of data collection relates to the process and techniques used to gather the data, which is documented separately from the raw data. Similarly, analysis strategies refer to the methods used to interpret or analyze the data after it has been collected, but they do not constitute the data file itself.