Research design Flashcards
1
Q
whats ‘extensive research’?
A
- large number of samples over many places as a basis for theoretical development
- qualify our generalised statements by their probability of being correct
- emphasis on pattern and regularity in data to represent regularity or process
2
Q
whats an example of extensive research?
A
- long term measurements
- effect of climate change on european forests
- measurement of tree-growth on soil conditions
- long-term monitoring of forest health at selected sites
- agreed measurements protocols, often done by many people / groups.
3
Q
types of research design - whats extensive and intensive (example)
A
global perspective - extensive more localised (UK) - extensive but intensive too local area (swansea bay) - intensive
4
Q
how to approach fieldwork -
A
- important component of research.
- experience of the environment
- measurements of natural processes with minimal disturbance
- typically measurements performed over a long period of time.
- simulations in real conditions
eg - climate simulation - drought warming vs control
5
Q
example of intensive research -
A
- effect of sheep grazing on soil compaction on gower peninsula
- restricted to one or two places as a case study
- easier to see how one variable effects another. with a problem that may not be relevant to other places.
6
Q
what are the strengths of fieldwork?
A
- measurements in ‘real’ conditions
- better understanding of the system
- changeable conditions
- observations together with measurements
- no major limitations of the scale of the experiment
7
Q
what are the weaknesses of fieldwork?
A
- conditions difficult to control
- bad weather and daylight hours
- long term experiments could end up being an ‘unusual year’
- equipment vandalised by humans and animals
8
Q
why do lab work?
A
- analyses of the properties eg - concentrations of metals in water sample
- testing behavior in controlled conditions eg - keeping the constant right (rain, temp, oxygen)
9
Q
what does lab work require?
A
- care to ensure no contamination
- stored correctly so they are not affected by lab conditions
- careful research design to ensure they are representative
- often includes treatment and controls.
10
Q
lab work sample preparation
A
- sampling method
- transport
- storage
- preparation
11
Q
strengths of lab work
A
- measurement in ‘controlled conditions’
- very precise measurements of properties
- not restricted to logistics and time
12
Q
weaknesses of lab work
A
- difficult to scale up the results from lab to field
- simplicity of experiments ignore complex relationship and feedback intervals in the real world
- difficult to judge how representative it is in real conditions
- could get repetitive