Question detail

Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of secondary data?

Try the question, check the answer, then read the explanation to understand the curriculum point.

Show answer Topic hub Objective page

At a glance

MCQ

Type

practice

Style

Topic

Use of qualitative and quantitative data

Question

A. It is often less expensive to obtain
B. It may not be specific to the researcher's needs
C. It is always up-to-date
D. It can be used to complement primary data

Answer

The correct answer is It is always up-to-date.

Explanation

The correct option is It is always up-to-date. It is always up-to-date is correct because it directly matches the approved learning objective to use qualitative and quantitative data from secondary sources. This belongs to Use of qualitative and quantitative data within Use of qualitative and quantitative data, so the answer must stay focused on the geographical process, evidence, place, or impact named by the curriculum. The other options are weaker because they move away from Use of qualitative and quantitative data, reverse the geographical relationship, or make a broader claim than the objective supports.

Common mistake

Confusing primary with secondary data

Students often treat data from a textbook or a government report as primary data, assuming it is original fieldwork, when it is actually secondary information compiled from other sources.

Remind students that primary data comes directly from original observations or experiments (e.g., field surveys, interviews), while secondary data is information that has already been processed or interpreted by others (e.g., published statistics, reports). They should identify the source type before using it in analysis.

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