Geographical Investigation Flashcards
What is the difference between a guiding question and a hypothesis?
A guiding question is a question that suggests something related to the topic, while a hypothesis is a statement, which is a prediction of the outcome of the investigation that is yet to be tested. A hypothesis can be deemed valid or invalid after the investigation has taken place, and the results show a trend or answer to the investigation.
What is random sampling? B&L also
Each member of the population has an equal chance to get picked. Total number of population must be known for random number generator to be used.
Benefits:
1. Can be used with large population sizes
2. Reduces bias as all has equal chance
Limitations:
1. Poor representation of population if large population is left out, usually when population is very big.
2. Practical constraints in terms of time and access to certain parts of the study area. Info of each person in the population may not be available.
What is systematic sampling? B&L also
Samples are chosen in a predetermined interval that is regular.
Benefits:
1. Can cover large area of study uniformly
2. Other factors do not influence the choice of people
Limitations:
1. Can be biased as may miss out on variations, resulting in over or under representations in a trend study.
What is stratified sampling? B&L also
Used when there are specific sub-groups to investigate (have filter factors)
Benefits:
1. An effective method for ensuring better representation of the total population that has known population sub-sets.
2. Allows for comparison study between population subsets.
Limitations:
1. For this sampling method to work, the exact size of the subsets must be accurately determined.
2. Full information or required information about the known subsets may not be readily or easily available.
3. Number of people interviewed within each subset must be the same.
How to increase reliability?
Do more. larger sample size, more often, more places, more times of the day, etc.
How to do ‘compare’ questions?
Divide the number of marks by 2. That value is the number of similarities and differences you will need to write, rounded up. For each sim/diff, write down one piece of evidence from the graph given.
What is a bi-polar/perception bar graph?
it is a double sided graph, with the total positive score and negative scores for a certain factor are drawn on a graph. they extend to the left and right, one for each direction of magnitude (negative or positive), same elevation of bar should have opposite factor as side, e.g. clean and dirty.
What is a scatter graph with best fit line?
It is used to show the relationship between two variables. BFL should pass through as many points as possible, or be in the centremost of all the points. Positive gradient shows positive trend, while negative gradient shows negative relationship.
What is a pie chart?
It is a representation of a different proportions in comparison to the whole. Usually for percentage data, for comparing which sector is the largest or smallest.
What is a bar graph?
it is used to identify differneces between data, usually when the sets of data are not continuous. x-axis is usually a discrete variable, such as the names of a category or names. Simple bar graph for one set of data, Comparative bar graph for more than one set of data, represented by two different bars per category. [e.g. rainfall]
What is a line graph?
Shows how a variable changes over time. SImple line graph for one set of data, comparative line graph for more than one set of data, using different icons for each plot or different colour of line. (e.g. temperature data)
