Stage 3

Question 1

What are the advantages of primary data? (4)

Answer 1

• The exact location of where data was collected is known.
• It is easier to access the reliability of the data.
• It is easier to assess the accuracy of the data because the equipment used and level of expertise of the researchers is known.
• The exact conditions e.g. weather conditions on the day are known. This could affect the accuracy of the data.

Question 2

What are the disadvantages of primary data? (2)

Answer 2

• Only collected on one day which means only limited amount of samples taken and the results could be affected by the weather conditions on the day.
• Possible inaccuracy and unreliability problems due to lack do experiment in data collection and investigation planning.

Question 3

What are the advantages of secondary data? (3)

Answer 3

• Official data would have been collected using more sophisticated instruments and by more experienced personnel and therefore should be more accurate.
• The data may have been collected over a longer period of time and therefore more reliable and can be used to analyse changes over time.
• The data may have been collected over a wider area and therefore more reliable.

Question 4

What are the disadvantages of secondary data?

Answer 4

• The exact site of data collection may not be known.
• The site where the data was collected may not be exactly the same as where the primary data was collected and therefore should not be used for direct comparison.
• The accuracy of the data collection methods is not known.
• The reliability of the data collection methods is not known if details of sampling techniques are not included in the publication.

Question 5

What are the advantages of 1:50,000 maps?

Answer 5

• Covers regional scale.
• Available online.
• Can identify settlements.
• Can identify size of settlements.
• Transport links shown.

Question 6

What are the disadvantages of 1:50,000 maps?

Answer 6

• Doesn’t show much detail.
• Doesn’t show street names.
• Shows minimal tourist and leisure information.
• No individual buildings/footpaths.

Question 7

What is stage 3?

Answer 7

Data collection

Question 8

What are the advantages of 1:25,000 maps? (6)

Answer 8

• Shows all footpaths.
• Available online.
• Identifies street names/names of landforms.
• Shows more tourist and leisure information.
• Transport links.
• Shows individual buildings.

Question 9

What are the disadvantages of 1:25,000 maps?

Answer 9

• Covers only sub-regional scale.