What is a hypothesis?
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What is a hypothesis?
A hypothesis is a clear, directional and measurable statement that can be tested. For example, river discharge increases with distance from the source of the River Dove.
True or False?
An aim explains what a geographical enquiry is attempting to achieve.
True.
The aim explains what the enquiry is attempting to achieve. For example, an investigation into changes in beach profiles along Mappleton Beach.
True or False?
There does not need to be a link between a geographical investigation and established theories, models or concepts.
False.
The fieldwork does not have to be based on the theory or model, but the theories and concepts must be identifiable.
Define the term primary data.
Data collected by the student within their fieldwork is primary data.
True or False?
Census data is an example of primary data.
False.
Census data is an example of secondary data because it is information that the student has not collected.
Name two disadvantages of secondary data.
There are several disadvantages of secondary data, including:
It is not specific to the enquiry.
No control over the data quality.
Data may be biased.
Data may be out of date.
What is a risk assessment?
A risk assessment is when the hazards of a fieldwork enquiry are identified and precautions that can be taken to reduce the risk are outlined.
Name two risks associated with a river enquiry.
There are several risks associated with river enquiries including:
Weather conditions.
Slippery rock.
Waterborne diseases.
Misuse of equipment.
Define the term quantitative data.
Quantitative data is information in numerical form. It includes anything that can be given a numerical value.
True or False?
Traffic counts are an example of qualitative data.
False.
Traffic counts are examples of quantitative data because they result in numerical data.
Define the term closed question.
A closed question is where answers are limited to single words, numbers or a list of options.
True or False?
Environmental quality surveys are objective.
False.
Environmental quality surveys are subjective. This means they are based on the opinions of the people completing them.
Name the three main types of sampling.
The three main types of sampling are:
Random.
Systematic.
Stratified.
Name the type of sampling used when data is collected at regular intervals.
Systematic sampling is when data is collected at regular intervals.
Name two advantages of random sampling.
Two advantages of random sampling are that it:
Is the least biased of all sampling methods because all sample sites have an equal chance of being selected.
Can be used with a large sample.
Give a disadvantage to stratified sampling.
In stratified sampling, the main disadvantage is that the proportions of subsets need to be known and accurate.
True or False?
Quantitative data is more reliable than qualitative data.
True.
Quantitative data is more reliable than qualitative data.
Are interviews or questionnaires the most suitable for collecting large data samples?
Questionnaires are most suitable for collecting a large sample of data. Interviews are more in-depth and take longer than questionnaires.
True or False?
Discrete data can be any value within a range. For example, noise level or temperature.
False.
Continuous data can be any value within a range. For example, noise level or temperature.
Give two strengths of bar graphs.
The strengths of bar graphs include:
Summarise large sets of data.
Are easy to construct and interpret.
Show trends clearly.
What type of graph is a population pyramid?
A population pyramid is a type of histogram.
Name one limitation of line graphs.
The limitations of line graphs are:
They do not show a cause or effect.
It can be misleading if the scales on the axis are altered.
It can be confusing if there are multiple lines.
What type of graph would you use to draw a cross-section of a river?
A line graph is used to draw a cross-section of a river.
True or False?
Rose diagrams can be used for data such as wind direction, noise or light levels.
True.
Rose diagrams use multidirectional axes to plot data. They can be used for data such as wind direction, noise or light levels.
What is a scatter graph used for?
A scatter graph is used to show the relationship between two variables.
What is a line of best fit?
A line of best fit is used on a scatter graph to show the relationship between the data. It is drawn as centrally as possible through the data points on the graph.
What type of map uses shading to represent a range of values?
Choropleth maps are shaded to show a range of values.
State two limitations of photographs.
The limitations of photographs include that they:
May not be relevant
Can be subjective and biased.
Sometimes they contain too much information.
Are two-dimensional, so judging depth is difficult.
True or False?
Quantitative data is analysed using numerical and statistical methods.
True.
Quantitative data is analysed using numerical and statistical methods.
Define the term annotation?
Annotations are detailed labels with an explanation of what is shown.
True or False?
The mean is calculated by adding up all of the values in the data set and then dividing by the total number of values in the data set.
True.
The mean is calculated by adding up all of the values in the data set and then dividing by the total number of values in the data set.
Define the term range.
Range is a measure of dispersion. It is the distance between the highest and lowest value.
What is the term used to describe a result which does not fit the pattern or trend?
Anomaly is the term used to describe a result which does not fit the pattern or trend.
True or False?
Mode is the middle value in a set of data.
False.
Median is the middle value in a set of data. The numbers are arranged in rank order and then the middle value is selected.
Mode is the value which occurs most frequently in a set of data.
Define the term interquartile range.
The interquartile range is the part of the range that covers the middle 50% of the data.
What is analysis?
Analysis is the process which makes sense of the data collected. It identifies patterns, trends, significance, connections and/or meaning in the data.
What should be included in a conclusion?
The fieldwork conclusion should:
Return to the hypothesis and aim.
Identify any evidence that supports the hypothesis.
Outline any evidence that contradicts the hypothesis.
Describe and explain any links to geographical theories.
Acknowledge any unusual results.
State whether the hypothesis is supported or not.
What should an evaluation include?
An enquiry evaluation should:
Identify any problems with, and limitations of, data collection methods.
Suggest other data which would have been useful in the study or improvements which could be made.
Evaluate how reliable the conclusions were.
How the scope of the study could be extended.
True or False?
Mistakes in recording data affect the reliability of the final results.
True.
Mistakes in recording data are human errors which can affect the reliability of the data collected.
True or False?
The evaluation does not identify data collection improvements.
False.
The evaluation should identify ways in which improvements could be made with data collection.
Suggest two improvements that could be made to data collection.
There are often many improvements which could be made to data collection, including:
Increasing the sample size.
Taking more measurements .
Looking at a wider range of secondary sources.
Other equipment, such as a flow meter would be more accurate for measuring river velocity than a float.