Paper 4 guide Flashcards
What is the structure of the Paper 4 exam?
2 30 mark questions, mainly data analysis
What is a divided bar graph used for, and what does it look like?
a bar that shows the proportional size of each category in a particular data set
What is a histogram used for, and what does it look like?
uses bars to show the frequency/frequency density of data items in adjacent quantitative variable intervals of same/different size
What is a wind-rose graph? What does it look like?
characterises the speed and direction of winds at a location in a circular format
What are isoline graphs? Give an example:
lines drawn on a map connecting data points of the same value, like altitude
What are triangular graphs for? Show an example:
-displays data which relates 3 variables simultaneously that are often percentages of a whole
-also known as a ternary graph
How do you plot a ternary/triangular graph?
read along the line that is 60° to the axis, up from the increasing direction
What are radial graphs for? How are they similar to rose graphs?
-showing multiple variables as a distance from a centre point on the same graph
-rose graphs use bars rather than lines
What is a dispersion graph for? How is it different to a scatter plot?
-displays the spread or dispersion of a single variable within a data set (like a distribution graph), eg test results within a class
-scatter plots show the relationship between 2 variables rather than 1, eg weight and height
What is a choropleth map?
a map that divides regions into separate coloured areas, to allow for the visualisation of data
What are kite diagrams for?
comparing frequencies of different observed data along the same transect line
What are pictograms?
uses pictures to represent data in a simple way, where each picture represents some value
What is a hypothesis? Name the 2 types:
-a statement/prediction that forms the basis of an enquiry
null, H₀ - predicts there is no relationship between 2 variables
research, H₁ - predicts there is a relationship
How do you answer hypothesis questions?
-say the hypothesis is correct/incorrect/partially correct
-use supporting data to backup the response with the following:
-general pattern
-anomalies (if present)
-specific patterns + data points
(GAS)
Name and describe the 3 types of sampling:
-random (avoids bias)
-systematic (eg every 5th car is recorded, avoids bias)
-stratified (usually combined with the other 2)
Stratified is explained on another flashcard
Explain stratified sampling, and give an example:
-dividing a population based on certain characteristics, and then taking a sample size in such a way that the proportions of the subgroup in the sample is equal to the proportions of the subgroup in the overall population
-this is done to ensure a representative view of the whole city
-eg if a population contains 25% French people, then the sample size must also contain 25% French people
What does an oval indicate on a flow chart?
a start/end to a process
What does a parallelogram indicate on a flow chart?
an input/output
What does a rectangle indicate on a flow chart?
a process (any action, eg turn off light switch)
What does a diamond indicate on a flow chart?
a decision that branches the flowchart into 2 or more separate flowcharts
basically selection in programming
What is a pilot study, and what does it allow you to do?
-a trial run in survey research
-allows you to learn how to work safely and practise fieldwork techniques
How would a sample size be representative?
it is representative if the data collected from the sample size reflects the entire population accurately
What does it mean for a study to be reliable?
it is reliable if it is consistent (ie the results can be reproduced under the same conditions)
What is validity, and how could a study be valid?
-the degree to which a measurement/device can actually measure what you are claiming it can measure
-it is valid if under scrutiny, it is found to be accurate, precise, reliable, and representative
What are some common requirements for asking people to complete a questionnaire?
-explain purpose of the survey
-be polite (accept that some people won’t want to do the survey)
-don’t work in large groups, only 2-3
-use a sampling method, eg every 5th person you see
How can a data collection method or survey be improved?
-do counts more regularly (eg every 15 minutes)
-do counts in more locations
-do counts on different days of the week
-have multiple groups do the same survey and calculate an average
