Key terms

Question 1

Accuracy

Answer 1

The degree to which a measurement or observation approaches the ‘true’ value. The accuracy of an observation or measurement depends on the fieldwork (or lab) techniques used, the skill of the experimenter and the equipment used.

Removing or minimising sources of error improves accuracy and the degree of accuracy can be estimated by evaluating sources of error.

Question 2

Precision

Answer 2

The part of accuracy that is wholly in the hands of the researcher. Therefore, having devised a fieldwork technique and selected the equipment, the experimenter may choose to take observations or measurements to different degrees of precision.

Question 3

Reliability

Answer 3

The extent to which the data collected would produce the same results regardless of the number of times they are repeated.

If the underlying model, process, or structure is known then the reliability of the data can be judged by reference to this.

Question 4

Validility

Answer 4

The validity of a conclusion is a measure of the confidence that can be placed in it.

The validity of a conclusion depends on factors such as the range and reliability of the observations or measurements that underpin it, any assumptions made in developing hypothesis or planning the investigation, and the nature of the investigation itself.

Question 5

Correlation

Answer 5

To have a relationship between two (or more) variables - can be positive or negative

Question 6

Null hypothesis

Answer 6

This is a statement that a researcher will continue to believe unless evidence is found to contradict it. The null hypothesis (Ho) says that there is no difference (or relationship) between two (or more) data sets.

Question 7

Level of confidence

Answer 7

The extent to which you can be sure that as a result is valid and secure. It is normally set at 95% or 99%. This means that you are 95 or 99% confident that a rejection of a null hypothesis is not due to random factors (has not occurred by chance)

Question 8

Interpret

Answer 8

To spell out the meaning of something; to develop ideas (based on results) about how elements of a whole are linked.

Question 9

Analysis

Answer 9

The examination of the components of a ‘whole’ - how do the separate elements fit together? Start by looking for an overall pattern or trend and then complete a more detailed, often statistical, analysis of data. Quantitive results are often more easily analysed than qualitative.

Question 10

Justify

Answer 10

To provide evidence for the choice of something rather than choosing something else. In the case of justifying geographical skills, this is best achieved by focussing on the advantages of the technique.

Question 11

Evaluate

Answer 11

Determine the value or significance of something (how important is it?) In the case of evaluating geographical skills, this can be achieved by weighing up the advantages and disadvantages of the technique.;