Data Gathering Techniques Flashcards
What are the three main types of sampling used in geographical fieldwork?
Random Sampling – Every location/person has an equal chance of selection.
Systematic Sampling – Data collected at regular intervals (e.g., every 10m).
Stratified Sampling – Population divided into groups, and samples taken proportionally.
What is primary data, and give two examples?
Data collected firsthand for a specific study. Examples: field sketches, traffic counts.
What is secondary data, and give two examples?
Data collected by others, used in research. Examples: census data, satellite imagery.
Why is pilot testing important in fieldwork?
Ensures methods are effective, identifies potential issues before full data collection.
How can GIS be used for data gathering?
GIS can collect spatial data, overlay multiple datasets, and track changes over time (e.g., land use changes).
What are the advantages and disadvantages of using questionnaires?
✅ Advantages: Quick to collect, large sample sizes, easy to analyze.
❌ Disadvantages: Can be biased, low response rates, respondents may misinterpret questions.
What are environmental quality surveys (EQS), and how are they conducted?
Subjective assessment of environmental conditions, scoring factors like noise, litter, and green space.
What is triangulation in geographical research?
Using multiple data collection methods to improve reliability and accuracy.
What is the difference between qualitative and quantitative data?
Qualitative data – Descriptive and subjective (e.g., interviews, field sketches).
Quantitative data – Numerical and measurable (e.g., traffic counts, temperature recordings).
What is the difference between point, line, and area sampling?
Point sampling: Data collected at fixed locations (e.g., measuring pollution at specific sites).
Line sampling: Data collected along a transect (e.g., measuring vegetation changes along a beach).
Area sampling: Data collected across a defined space (e.g., land use mapping).
Why is sample size important in geographical investigations?
A larger sample size increases reliability and reduces errors, making results more representative.
What are the advantages and disadvantages of random sampling?
✅ Advantages: Reduces bias, ensures fair representation.
❌ Disadvantages: Could result in uneven coverage of an area.
How does systematic sampling work, and when is it useful?
Data is collected at regular intervals (e.g., every 10m along a river). Useful for identifying spatial trends.
When is stratified sampling used, and why is it beneficial?
Used when populations are divided into sub-groups (e.g., different land uses in a city). It ensures all categories are represented fairly.
What are key methods of collecting urban data?
Land use surveys (mapping different land uses).
Environmental quality surveys (scoring urban conditions).
Pedestrian/traffic counts (measuring movement in specific locations).
What is a questionnaire survey, and how should it be conducted?
A set of structured questions used to collect opinions from people. It should be clear, unbiased, and tested in a pilot study.
What are the advantages of face-to-face interviews in fieldwork?
✅ More detailed responses.
✅ Can clarify questions.
❌ Time-consuming and potentially biased.
What is a bipolar survey, and how is it used?
A scoring method where factors (e.g., noise levels) are rated on a positive-to-negative scale. Used in environmental quality assessments.
What are three methods for measuring river velocity?
Float method – Timing a floating object over a set distance.
Flow meter – Digital device measuring water speed.
Velocity-depth profiles – Measuring at different depths to find average speed.
How can beach profiles be measured?
Using a ranging pole and clinometer to measure slope angles.
Dividing the beach into transects for consistent measurements.
What equipment is used to measure soil moisture?
Soil moisture probe – Gives an instant reading.
Gravimetric method – Weighing soil before and after drying.
How is vegetation cover measured in the field?
Using a quadrat – Counting plant species in a sampled area.
Line transects – Identifying changes along a gradient.
What method is used to assess coastal erosion?
Measuring retreat using historical maps and aerial photos.
Using erosion pins to track cliff face changes over time.
What is infiltration, and how is it measured?
The rate at which water soaks into the soil. Measured using an infiltrometer (a tube placed in the ground filled with water).
