River Enquiry Skills (Edexcel IGCSE Geography)

Using the data in Figure 4a, complete Figure 4b below for measurements 1 and 4

(2 Marks)

Figure 4b

Measurements times taken for float to travel between points A and B at one site

• Answer

  • The first bar needs to be between 21 and 22 (each small square is 1 second). The second bar must be on the line. The bars do not need to be shaded but should be the same width as the other bars.

Figure 4b

Measurements times taken for float to travel between points A and B at one site

Mark an x in the box on Figure 4b which represents the float with the anomalous result

(1 Mark)

• Answer 

  • Number 5 (1) is the anomalous one as it does not fit the pattern of the other measurements

Suggest one explanation for this anomaly

(2 Marks)

• Answer

• The float could have got stuck as it flowed down the river (1) this would have slowed the float down (1)

• There could have been a strong wind blowing upstream (1) which would have slowed down the float / which would have led to unreliable results (1)

• Human error with the operation of the stopwatch (1) which meant that the timing was inaccurately recorded for number 5 (1)

In the exam, you will not be asked to draw an entire graph. However, it is common to be asked to complete an unfinished graph using the data provided. You may also be asked to identify anomalous results or to draw the best fit line on a scattergraph.

• Take your time to ensure that you have marked the data on the graph accurately

• Use the same style as the data which has already been put on the graph

  • Bars on a bar graph should be the same width

  • If the dots on a graph are connected by a line you should do the same

Describe two sources of secondary data that might be useful when planning a river channel enquiry

(4 Marks)

• Answer:

  • Environment Agency or National Rivers Authority (NRA) discharge data (1) gives information about normal flow (1)

  • Met Office rainfall data (1) gives information regarding any weather events impacting on data collected (1)

  • Ordnance Survey (OS) map (1) enables the identification of sample site locations (1)

  • Geology map (1) rock type information for the drainage basin (1)

  • Aerial photographs (1) changes in the river channel path (1)

Study Figure 1. It shows sample data from one site on a river. A float was used to measure the time taken to travel between two points

Calculate the mean time taken for the float to travel from site A to site B. Give your answer to one decimal place

You must show all your workings in the space below

(2 Marks)

Figure 1 - River Data Collected by a Group of Students

• Answer:

  • Add all the values together - 12.5 + 16.2 + 18.1 + 20.3 + 35.0 = 102.1

  • Divide the total by the number of values in the data set   - 102.1 divided by 5 = 20.42 (1)

  • To one decimal place 20.4 (1) 

Calculation of the mean is a popular exam question. You must remember the following:

• Show your workings if it is asked for by writing out in full the calculation. This is usually worth 1 mark

• If asked to give your answer to one decimal place remember to round up or down

  • If the number after the first digit following the decimal point is 5 or higher you need to round up - 10.15 would become 10.2

  • If the number after the first digit following the decimal point is 4 or lower you need to round down - 10.13 would become 10.1

You have studied river environments for your geographical enquiry

Evaluate how successful your chosen data analysis methods were in answering your geographical enquiry question  

(8 Marks)

• Answer:

  • Your answer needs to make a judgement about how successful your data analysis was in enabling you to reach a conclusion

  • You must include examples from your enquiry. You need to demonstrate evidence of:

    • Different skills and techniques being used for data collection

    • Different skills and techniques being used for the analysis of the data

    • Your own conclusions

  • Issues with equipment

    • Were there any equipment errors? This could be faulty equipment or issues with reading the measurements correctly

    • How did these errors affect your ability to answer the enquiry question?

  • Issues with the enquiry design

    • Were the data collection/sampling methods appropriate?

    • Were more sample sites needed?

    • Would a different sampling technique has been more effective?

    • Should the data have been collected using a different method?

    • Was additional or different equipment needed?

  • How did these affect your ability to answer the enquiry question?

• Issues with analysis methods

  • Were the analysis methods you used - central tendency, best fit lines etc.. - appropriate?

  • Were there any alternative methods that could have been used?

  • How did your use of these affect your ability to answer the enquiry question?

• At the end of your answer you must make a judgement about the success of your data analysis techniques.

• Your evaluation needs to be in-depth and directly linked to your enquiry

• There must be recognition of where data analysis was less successful due to the enquiry design or technique used

• Are the outcomes reliable - can the study be repeated and obtain the same results?

The 8 mark fieldwork question is often an evaluation of your enquiry or unfamiliar fieldwork. The evaluation could be regarding data collection, analysis or your conclusion. The key factors to remember to include in your answer are:

• What went well - how do you know that your results were accurate and therefore valid?

• Is the enquiry reliable - Could it be repeated and the same results achieved?

• What could have been improved?

• What would you do if you were to repeat the enquiry?