Fieldwork Flashcards
Features of PLANNING
- geographical feature/theory
- main hypothesis
- sub hypotheses
- background reading
Hypotheses
proposed explanations based on limited evidence/geographical theories that state how your data may create a conclusion
Null hypothesis
a statement that goes against general geographical theory (so the data just has to prove that it is false, and not that something else is true)
Positive/alternative hypothesis
a statement that is in line with geographical theory / that proves a null hypothesis wrong
Qualitative data
data without numerical value
- destinations of vehicles during rush hour
Quantitative data
data that can be numerically measured
- distance people travel to work
Transect
line on a map that links two points along which recordings are taken regularly
Callipers
measure dimensions of small objects like pebbles
Clinometer
measures angle of slope
Ranging pole
marks out features that occur in straight lines
Collection techniques
- surveys
- interviews
- questionnaires
- observations (photos and annotated sketches)
Survey
measure of opinions or experiences of a group of people through the asking of questions
Questionnaire
a set of printed or written questions
Aims of Sampling
- to gain data that represents a larger select group
- more efficient
- eases analysis
Random sampling
when sources are chosen without any prior planning
- reduces human bias
Systematic sampling
when interval size between samples is predetermined and followed regardless
- reduces human bias but sampling frame may have inherent bias
Stratified sampling
when sampling frame is split into strata/smaller groups and proportionally represented
- most accurate representation BUT extensive knowledge needed to create strata
Types of charts
- column
- bar
- comparative bar
- composite bar
- histogram
- pictogram
Composite bar chart
to show more than one type of data for each variable
- showing hobbies AND different age groups of people who like those hobbies
Types of maps
- land use/GOAD
- proportional symbols
- flow lines
- dot maps
- isoline
- chloropleth
Types of graphs
- scatter
- line
- radial
Line graphs
show change in quantity of a variable over time
Radial graphs
show 5+ sets of data at once
- show strength of any one variable
- show strength of an area compared to others
Isoline maps
presents numerical data cartographically
- height above sea level
- air temperature
- air pressure
Chloropleth shading
when data is arranged spatially into different categories
- temperature
- precipitation
Types of qualitative presentation
- photos/field sketches
- flow diagrams
- mind maps
- word clouds
Spearman’s Rank Correlation Coefficient
statistical test that examines the degree to which 2 data sets are correlated
- answer obtained compared to a significance table to ensure it isn’t by chance (95% certainty)
Features of CONCLUSION
- summarise main findings
- answer hypotheses/main questions
Features of EVALUATION
- reliability (precision, accuracy, significance)
- validity (whether your overall study was sound, contributions to geographical thinking)
- limitations
