Geographical Inquiry Process And Planning Flashcards
Describe the location, area and river studied in your enquiry
The area our river study took place in was in South County Down. The river was named Shimna. The source is near Ott Mountain close to Kilcoo. It flows through Fofanny dam to Tullymore forest and the river enters the sea at it’s mouth in Newcastle
Explain your choice of location for your fieldwork
We chose this river for convenience of transportation eg 45 minutes. We knew the river could be accessed safely at points. The length of the river meant we were able to study it from source to mouth in one day
Eight steps needed to carry out a geographical enquiry
- Set a name
- State a hypothesis
- Plan fieldwork data collection
- Present data
- Analyse results
- Draw a conclusion
- Evaluate the process
- Conclusion (interpretation of results)
Title & aim of enquiry
Title; An investigation into the changing characteristics of the river Shimna moving downstream from the source to the mouth
Aim; To study how a river’s features change along the long profile of the River Shimna in relation to changes expected in our textbook theory
What is a hypothesis and how do you formulate one
A statement that is going to be tested during an investigation. This should be based on a geographical theory
Hypotheses are based on Geographical Theories. In class we studied theory in textbooks, used internet resources and maps to formulate 2 hypotheses
You may be asked for 2
What are two hypotheses of your investigation
- The width and depth of the river increases with increasing distance downstream
- Bed load decreases in size and shape and becomes more rounded with more distance downstream
Explain the suitability of one hypothesis you have chosen to investigate your fieldwork aim
In terms of width and depth we would expect more water to be collected as the river moves down through the drainage basin. We should assume that the river has greater ability and power erode its bed and banks. We would expect the river to become deeper and wider
5 questions that need to be considered in the planning stage
- What is needed (equipment)
- Where will the data be collected
- How will the data be collected
- When will the data be collected
- What are the risks involved
What 4 methods could be used for data presentation
- Tables
- Photographs
- Maps
- Graphs
What does an analysis of data involve
Analysis involves finding patterns, relationships, trends and anomalies in the data which has been processed and presented in tables/maps/graphs
What is an interpretation
An explanation or reasons for the pattern or trend identified in the analysis. Use geographical theory to help explain the reasons for the relationships
What is a conclusion
Decisions drawn about each hypothesis allowing their acceptance or rejection
What is an evaluation
A reflective section considering the limitations of the study and possibilities for improvements or further investigations
What is the difference between an analysis and interpretation
Analysis is reading and understanding data while interpretation is an explanation for why the data is like that
3 potential risks involved in your fieldwork & how to reduce them
- Deep water; Warm waterproof clothing
- Slippery surfaces; Waterproof boots with strong grip
- Traffic; Avoid crossing the road when possible
