Grade: Grade 6
Board: Maharashtra SSC
Subject: Geography
Chapter: Chapter 1
Question
Explain the differences between the primary and secondary sources of geographic study.
Answer
The differences between the Primary and Secondary Sources of data in Geography are:
| Characteristics of Sources | Primary Sources | Secondary Sources |
|---|---|---|
| Concept/Definition | Data that is collected through actual observations, measurements and records. | Data that is already collected, analyzed or presented. This data is received through some other individual organisation or publication. |
| Method of collection | Direct and original information is collected by visiting the place personally. | Data obtained from reference books, research papers, globe, artificial satellite images, etc. |
| Credibility | Data obtained primary sources has more credibility as it is done by an individual at a personal level. | Data obtained from secondary sources has less credibility as data can differ from source to source. |
| Nature of data | Primary source of data is the source of new data. | Secondary source of data is the data which is already processed and then presented. |
| Availability | Primary source of data is location specific. Gives exact data about a location. | Secondary source of data is related to information about a large area. |
| Cost and time | Collection of information from a primary source of data requires more effort and time and is expensive. | Collection of information from a secondary source of data is less expensive, saves efforts and time. |
| Possibility of errors | Errors may creep in due to the person collecting the data or the equipment or the method used by him in collection of information from a primary source. | In the collection of information from a secondary source, error may creep in due to data being outdated or may be based on facts which are not relevant. |
| Examples | Field visit, interview, survey, drone survey images, etc. | Globe, map, atlas, text and reference books, research journal, magazines and newspapers, artificial satellite images, etc. |
Source question: Q6(2)