Limitations to a study

Question 1

Time

Answer 1

• run out= weakens sample size
• rush parts of investigation=unreliable results
• time of year e.g. winter may weaken sample size

Question 2

place

Answer 2

• may not be able to gain access e.g. private land

- meanders are hard to measure

Question 3

physical e.g. weather

Answer 3

• smaller sample size in cold/rain
• previous weather e.g. dry spell or flooding affects data
• soft/muddy ground may restrict access due to risk assessment

Question 4

human error

Answer 4

• unreliable equipment may give inaccurate data

- may not read something correctly

Question 5

equipment

Answer 5

• give unreliable data, more variations make it harder to spot a pattern
• equipment can break/be faulty

Question 6

methodology

Answer 6

-small sample size=can’t draw effective conclusion

Question 7

suggested improvements to reduce limitations

Answer 7

• repeat investigation at a different time
• repeat at different location
• take a larger sample of data
• use equipment that will give more reliable results