Field work Flashcards
accurate
how close a measurement is to its true value
precise
related to the smallest scale of division on the equipment
representative
sample is typical of whole population/area
reliable
the data is consistent; results will be similar when repeating the same thing
valid
method is measuring the right thing and relevant to study
what is the land use like around river tillingbourne
abinger farm - lower course
road, shops next to it
My Physical fieldwork title
to investigate the changes downstream on the River Tillingbourne
My physical fieldwork hypothesis
The discharge will increase going downstream the river because cross section area increases and there is more deposition.
What is CSA
cross sectional area = width x length
Why are we using river tillingbourne for field work
- river is close to A25 which makes the sites easily accessible and easy to travel between sites
- river is only 19km long which is good because the change in the river can be seen in a short distance.
- river has small drainage basin (only 59km) which is good because river is shallow, small and narrow so it is easy to study lengths.
Methods for each course of the river
For width use a tape measure across the river - bank to bank. Keep ruler straight and hold tight for accuracy.
For depth use meter ruler, holding it perpendicular to water inside. Mark the length on the surface of the water. For accuracy measure at eye level with smallest edge of ruler facing flow of water.
For velocity drop a cork and record how long it takes to travel a distance of 2m. For accuracy use a stop watch and drop the cork earlier to allow it to reach maximum speed.
Repeat 5 times for reliability and compare with others.
Limitations to primary methods in physical fieldwork
Human error - stop watch stopped/started too early/late.
Unaware that rocks or plants could be at the base of the river bed interfering with river flow or affecting the actual depth. Bank edges aren’t straight. Cork can get stuck in plants growing above surface of river. Other people doing the same fieldwork could interfere.
Hazards along river tillingbourne and ways to prevent
Long grass - tics = wear long trousers
Water - drowning = no pushing, people spaced out if inside river.
Water - disease - don’t touch water directly with hand and then touch mouth, wear gloves, sanitize hands after.
what is primary data
Data that ahs been collected first hand through methods + specific to research.
what is secondary data
Data already collected and available that can be used second hand e.g census data or records
what is qualitative data
Descriptive data that is collected/obtained through observations and human perspective
what is quantative data
Numerical data which has been measured e.g calculating population or using measurements
What is my title for my Human fieldwork
How does quality of life vary in Reigate
What is quality of Life
a concept which aims to capture the well being, whether of a population or individual, regarding both positive and negative elements at a specific point in time
Describe the geographical theory which underpins my human field work enquiry
The World Health Organisation defines Quality of Life as an individual’s perception of their position in life in the context of the culture and value systems in which they live and in relation to their goals, expectations, standards and concerns. The Index of Multiple Deprivation (IMD) is a UK-government qualitative study measuring deprivation at small-area level across England. The 7 different dimensions of deprivation are: income, employment, health and disability, education skills and training, crime, barriers to housing and services and living environment. Deprivation is the degree to which an individual or an area is deprived of services and amenities. There are many different types and levels of deprivation including poor and overcrowded housing, inadequate diet, inadequate income and lack of
opportunity for employment.
where is Reigate
south east england
in county of surrey
relatively close to london
Why are we using reigate
local to school
Can return easy - repeat measurements
Low risk as students are familiar
There is a range of urban land uses within a small area
What is systematic sampling in relation to my fieldwork - advantages and disadvantages
Means working to a system to collect data, e.g Every 10m along a road to record land use or environmental quality. So no bias but might not be representative.
e.g human:
Doing environmental survey every 75m
Taking a soundscape for 1 minute
Recording car types every 100m stationary
e.g physical
River flow velocity is found using a 2m distance in each area of a river with cork
What is random sampling in relation to my fieldwork - advantages and disadvantages
Where samples are chosen fairly randomly and every person has an equal chance of being selected so no bias/
But might miss something = not representative
e.g human:
Car survey, epitome words, soundscape
e.g physical:
Taking measurements in random areas of each course of the River Tillingbourne
