Hazardous Enquiry Skills (Edexcel IGCSE Geography)

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

(2 Marks)

Figure 1a Wind Speed Measurements Gathered by Students

• Answer:

  • The first bar needs to be just above the 50mph line (each small square is 1mph).. 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.

Mark an x in the box on Figure 1b which represents the anomalous wind speed result

(1 Mark)

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

Suggest one explanation for this anomaly

(2 Marks)

• Answer: 

  • Human error with the equipment used to measure wind speed (1) measurement was taken in a sheltered area (1) which meant that the wind speed recording was much lower (1) Variation in wind speed over time/readings were not all taken at the same time (1) which led to a much lower result for site 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 a best fit line on a scattergraph.

• Take your time to ensure that you have marked the data on to 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 information that might be useful when planning a microclimate investigation

(4 Marks)

• Answer:  

  • The first mark is awarded for the identification of a secondary source

  • OS map (1); local Met Office station records (1); local area weather forecast (1); compass directions (1); historic weather diaries (1); newspaper reports for area (1)

  • The second mark can be given where purpose of source made clear OS map (1) gives altitude of site (1) compass directions (1) gives aspect of site (1)

  • For max marks at least one named source needed (e.g. Met Office, Ordnance Survey, Environment Agency,Severn Trent Water, Google Maps)

Study Figure 1. It shows sample data about wind speed. Calculate the mean wind speed for the five samples. 

Give your answer to one decimal place.

You must show all your workings in the space below    

(2 Marks)

Figure 1 - Wind Speed Data Collected by a Group of Students

• Answer: 

  • Add all the values together - 50.1 + 35.1 + 45.1 + 40.0 + 10.0 = 36.06

  • Divide the total by the number of values in the data set  - 36.06 divided by 5 = 7.212 (1)

  • To one decimal place = 7.2 (1)

Calculation of the mean is a popular exam question. You will usually be asked to do the following:

• Show your workings - this means writing out the calculation in full. This is worth 1 mark

• Give your answer to one decimal place. This means that you will need 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 hazardous 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 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 - mean, 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?