Sources of

data
 Learning objectives
C/D define static data, dynamic data, direct and
indirect data source with examples

compare the use of static information

B/C sources with dynamic information
sources

understand the advantages and

A/B disadvantages of gathering data from direct
and indirect data sources
 Sources of data
• Static data
• Dynamic data
• Direct data source
• Indirect data source

Can you add examples of the different types of data

 What is static data?
Static means still. It is data that does not normally change. Static
data is either fixed or has to be changed manually by editing a
document. For example a book as the hard copy can not be
changed once printed or a CD ROM. As this type of CD is only
readable.
 What is dynamic data?
Dynamic means moving. It is data that
updates as a result of the source data
changing. Dynamic data is updated
automatically without user intervention.
For example data on a webpage or a
weather app.
Some people get a little confused by dynamic data because they
think it can be any data that changes at any time. For example,
some people think that any website includes dynamic data.
However, if you look at a contact us page on a website, the
information on this page is mainly static, with links to other pages.
Although it can be changed, it can only be done by changing the
actual data on the page, whereas dynamic data changes because
the original source has changed.
 Sources of data
Create a table with two columns, add the headings, Static and
Dynamic. Try to add as many images or words to each side of
the table as you can

news feeds on a mobile phone app

availability of tickets for a concert

live sports results
 Sources of data
Pick two sources of data from your previous list – two from static
and two from dynamic and identify the information it could give
and state an advantage and a disadvantage for each.
For example:

• The length of items

• The data is relevant as you would only
measure what is needed
• It can take a long time to collect the data as
you need specific equipment

Draw a conclusion as to whether you think static or dynamic

sources of information are better and justify your choice.
 Static compared with dynamic
Print out your comparison
work on a separate piece of
paper form your revision
notes and swop with
another person in the class.
Using the green pen mark
each others work looking for
justification of static and
dynamic information is
better. Use the table to help:
 Direct data
Direct data is data collected from a primary source and must be
used for the same purpose for which it was collected. It is often
the case that the data will have been collected by the person
who intends to use the data.
 Methods of collecting data
• Questionnaires
Questionnaires are often used to collect data from individuals. They can be hard
copy or completed online. Questionnaires can make it easier to analyse
information because all respondents are asked the same questions.
• Interviews
Interviews allow you to collect more data from people as responses can be given
in greater depth.
• Observation
Data gatherers observe what is happening during an activity, then record and
analyse the resulting data.
• Data logging
This is the use of sensors to produce data that can be gathered and interpreted.

Investigate into the Hawthorne effect and how this could

have an impact on the methods of collecting data
 Direct data task
A new high speed train line
The government are investigating the feasibility of introducing a new
high speed rail link between the capital and a major industrial city.
Before they decide whether to proceed or not, they will need to collect
some direct data.
This direct data will include:
 The time it takes to get from the capital to the other city using the
existing rail line
 The number of trains and passengers who use the existing rail line
 The number of passengers
 How many passengers would use the new system
 What local residents think

Can you think of examples of how the data would be collected

with advantages and disadvantages?
 Indirect data
Indirect sources means data that was collected for a particular
reason but is then used for something else. It often occurs when
one organisation collects data about individuals and then sells
this data to another organisation.
 Indirect data sources
Electoral register
This is a list of adults who are entitled to vote in a local or national
election. An edited version of the register can be purchased and used
for any purpose.

Businesses collecting personal information

Businesses sell the information that they collect from their customers.
For example when someone purchases something online they are often
asked to tick a box authorising the business to share this with other
organisations. Customers often provide personal information that has a
commercial value. Businesses use this information to create mailing lists
that can be purchased by any other organisation / individual to send
emails or even brochures through the post.
Which of the
following are
direct data
sources and
which are
indirect data
sources?
 Questions
1. The spreadsheet below is used to calculate the area of a driveway.

2. Identify one item of data that is static.

3. Identify one item of data that is dynamic.
The builder using the spreadsheet needs to know the length and width of a
driveway for a customer.
4. Identify one direct source the builder could use to find the length and width.
5. Identify one indirect source the builder could use to find the length and
width.
6. Give one advantage of using the direct source instead of the indirect source
to find the length and width.
 Review and revise
1.2 Sources of data

• define static data and give an example

• define dynamic data and give an example
• compare the use of static information sources with dynamic
information sources
• define direct and indirect data source
• the advantages and disadvantages of gathering data from
direct and indirect data sources