Topic 1 - Sources

Question 1

What are the adv and disadv of qualitive sources?

Answer 1

Adv
- Descriptive nature
- Allows more depth of analysis
- Leads to more meaningful conclusions about participant views
Disadv
- Difficult to draw comparisons
- Difficult to arrive at a reliable conclusion
- More time consuming
- Not reliable

Question 2

What are the adv and disadv of quantative sources?

Answer 2

Adv
- Data can be analysed statistically
- Comparible
- Generalisations can be made
- Reliable
Disadv
- Too generalised
- Lack of important detail

Question 3

What are the pros and cons of photos and paintings?

Answer 3

Pros
- If unedited, photos show a real snapshot of what the place was like
- Paintings can show a deeper understanding of the place as painter can show character of place
- Being able to see outfits and architecture can give more insight of the character of the place
Cons
- Photos only show a snapshot-telling nothing about change in the area
- There is scope for individuality with paintings so unreliable
- Can be selective in what is shown-only one area may create deception

Question 4

What are pros and cons of textual information?

Answer 4

Pros
- Novels may evoke a sense of place
- Written sources can positively portray places
- Can give in-depth descriptions, much more detail can help reader understand the character
Cons
- Media can create place prejudice
- Written sources are not always fully factual
- Information is subjective

Question 5

What are the pros and cons of using poetry and music as sources?

Answer 5

Pros
- Many famous poets are associated with particular places
- Poetry and music can help with sense of place and character of the place
Cons
- These sources may not be factual
- Information is subjective

Question 6

What are the pros and cons of interviews as a source?

Answer 6

Pros
- Generates detailed insight about a person’s sense of place
- First-hand, direct reports of experiences, opinions and feelings
Cons
- Can include interviewer bias- where the answer is affected by using leading questions
- People might not be honest in interviews to be presented positively
- Opinions may change over time

Question 7

What are the pros and cons of using census data?

Answer 7

Pros
- Usually gives information on demographics which gives an insight of affluence deprivation
- Can show patterns or trends with the data
- Can give factual information on places
Cons
- Only carried out every 10 years, so can’t see short-term change
- Can be tampered with

Question 8

What are the pros and cons of using maps?

Answer 8

Pros
- Full of factual information about places
- Physical geography can give an insight on the character of the place
- Maps can be compared to show change
Cons
- Maps may have been distorted throughout history
- A place may be shown as outdated without change