In EIA terminology, what are primary data?

• A. Existing literature
• B. New field measurements collected during the data gathering phase
• C. Government records
• D. Interviews with stakeholders

Answer: (B)

Primary data in an EIA are information gathered directly for the assessment through fieldwork and direct measurement. They are produced specifically for the study during the data gathering phase, not drawn from existing sources. That’s why new field measurements fit best: they represent fresh data you collect to establish baseline conditions and assess potential impacts.

Existing literature and government records are considered secondary data because they were collected prior to the current study for other purposes and are used to support or contextualize the assessment rather than to serve as the new measurements of the project. Interviews with stakeholders can provide valuable information, but the defining idea of primary data here is that the data are newly collected measurements and observations from the field for this particular evaluation.