Key terms

Question 1

Define Hypothesis

Answer 1

A statement that can be falsified. At the end of the enquiry it is either accepted or rejected.

Question 2

Define Quantitative data

Answer 2

Numerical data, measuring things and analysing with mathematical tests. It is objective.

Question 3

Define Qualitative data

Answer 3

Opinions and observations, data collected through participant observation and interviews and analysed by theme not maths. It is subjective.

Question 4

Define Objective

Answer 4

Fact based; measurable.

Question 5

Define Subjective

Answer 5

Based on individual opinions and feelings.

Question 6

Define Primary data

Answer 6

Data you collect yourself (two forms are quantitative and qualitative).

Question 7

Define Secondary data

Answer 7

Data collected from other sources already published/mapped. E.g. books, maps and satellite images.

Question 8

Define Discrete Data

Answer 8

Can only take certain values, categorical and counted.

Question 9

Define Continuous Data

Answer 9

Can take any value within a range; measured.

Question 10

Define Pilot study

Answer 10

small practice of the research in order to evaluate the strengths/weaknesses and improve the research before undertaking a full scale research study.

Question 11

Outline the enquiry process

Answer 11

• Question/Hypotheses
• Methods and techniques
• Data collection
• Data presentation
• Data analysis (describe results using overall; data; difference)
• Conclusion (accept/reject hypothesis)
• Evaluation (what were the limitations - how could you improve? Consider: reliability; accuracy; validity and generalisability)