Geographical Investigation Flashcards
What types of graphs are used?
pie charts, bars, histograms, scatter graphs, radar charts, triangular graphs and line graphs
What are the 3 criteria for a good research question or hypothesis? Describe each briefly
- It is clearly defined
environ, econ impact, social benefits…
(cnt say subjective words eg ‘liveable’, ‘adequacy’, etc. - It is researchable (measurable)
- is there independent & dependent var?
- can data obtained support/refute hypothesis or answer to research question
- is this factual? they should not be - It is conducted at a suitable scale
- feasibility (possible?)
AND/OR
- manageability (enough manpower?)
What are some sampling methods? describe each briefly
- snowball sampling
using known ppl or friends as respondents - Random sampling
chosen at random; all hv equal chance of be selected - must hv access to TOTAL pop n of region eg SG
- convenience random sampling
involve select participant based on availability to u as researcher (at your convenience, u random choose ppl) - Systematic sampling
sample collected w regular intervals in between, eg based on IC no., every 5th no. Or based on dist, every 2m apart, every 3rd person, etc. - Stratified sampling
oni possible if pop n structure (characteristics) is known
pop n divided into sub pop n based on specific characteristics (eg age, gender, job, edu n). Samples obtained fr there -> done to ensure all parts of pop n are represented => reduce bias
What makes an investigation reliable and accurate?
Reliability (data collected from fieldwork)
- significantly large enough sample size
- samples are representative of pop n (unbiased)
- samples are uncontaminated by external variables
Accuracy (data collect n process)
- samples representative of pop n
- clarity of terms
What to take note when sketching graphs?
- Use PENCIL to sketch (box out diagram
- Use PEN to label (must be appropriate)
What are some limitations of quantitative data collection?
- sampling error
small size, skewed data - response error
qn not understood correctly, inclined to agree w interviewer’s qn, unclear responses - non-response bias
lack of response fr the grp of ppl participating (may b diff fr rest) - need for reflexivity
subjective (ppl hv diff impression)
may take biased perspective
What are pros and cons of scatter graphs?
Pros
- anomalies easily identified
- can highlight correlation btw 2 data
Cons
- often difficult draw line of best fit
- data on both axes need b continuous
What are pros and cons of histograms?
Pros
- put tgt data which may b easier to analyse when placed in groups
Cons
- Grouping data into appropriate classes may b difficult
- exact values of each data set in grp is unknown
What is Likert scale? What are its pros and cons?
- close-ended scale (quantitative)
- encourage choice rather than freedom of response
eg choose fr strongly agree to strongly disagree
Advantage:
- less intimidating
- easy complete
- flexible implement (quick & easy administer questionnaire)
- easy analyse data collected (eg 50% agree, 25% strongly disagree, etc.)
Limit
- answer may lack specificity (fail measure true attitudes of interviewee; uni-dimensional, lack clarity)
=>to overcome: ensure provide specific ans options for easier evaluat n
- respondents either lean towards/choose most extreme options or express no opinion at all (due to rush, etc. -> compromise validity of data collected)
- forced opinions
What is a line graph? What are its pros and cons?
- plots data in order & joins them w line
- shd b used for data over time
- contain 1 independent variable & 1 dependent variable.
Pros:
- show trends over time
- allow for easy comparison of multiple sets of data
- may b used to estimate future patterns
Cons:
- oni used w continuous data, eg change over time
- unsuitable if there r oni few values in data set
- trend can b inaccurate if scale not drawn proportionately; change may appear greater if smaller scale used for x-axis than y-axis
What is a comparative bar graph? What are its pros and cons?
- compares 2 or more data sets
- each category can hv more than 1 set of data, w each set coloured or shaded diff
- uses bars to represent, compare diff set data
Pros:
- allow multiple sets of data b compared easily
- large data sets can b used
- patterns can b easily observed
Cons:
- trends difficult to predict
- oni use discrete data
- change over time cnt be mapped
- less effective than line graph when trying to show trends over course of time, esp when trying to display changes in continuous variables eg speed
- using too many bars in bar chart looks extremely cluttered
What is a pie chart? What are its pros and cons?
- each segment represents portion of variable taken up
- each data must b converted into % of data set
- each section in pie chart shd hv label and %
- shd b used for 3-7 categories oni
Pros:
- quick, simple show proportions - easy interpret
- show % total for each category
- visually simpler read data than other types of graphs as summarise large data set in visual form
Cons:
- value of actual data no. is unknown
- cnt show change over time
- cnt include too many categories (segments will bcome too thin)
What’s the diff btw bar graphs and histograms?
- bar graph: compare categorical data, with gaps (eg diff countries)
- histogram: compare numerical data, no gaps (eg number range)
Describe landuse photographs. What are its pros and cons?
- taken fr ground lvl perspective & give horizontal view of area
- show landscape in great detail, allowing features & patterns to be observed
PROS
- allow an area to b examined again w/o having to visit it
- useful references for annotating sketches
CONS
- may not show whole area clearly
- view often obstructed by tall trees, houses, hills
- features in foreground appear bigger than those in background, even if same size
Describe flow charts. What are its advantages and disadvantages?
- used to substitute text (eg arrows to link up)
Advantages:
- simple understand vs text for describing processes & inter-relationships
- presents data in logical/sequential steps, make it easy for user to understand solut n logically as it doesn’t go fr #1 to #10 directly. Rather, follow sequence & go towards solut n progressively
- show connect n btw various elements of flowchart in visual manner
Disadvantages:
- unsuitable where solut n is long
- difficult construct if solut n too complex
- difficult alter vs text. Whole flowchart need be re-created vs changing few words in text. Thus, if data to present is dynamic, this method may not work
