Geography. Unit 2: The Geographical Study. Tutor Guide 3. Student Introductory Guide 9. Section 1: Plan and research a Geographical Study 15

Transcription

1 Geography Unit 2: The Geographical Study [ADVANCED HIGHER] Tutor Guide 3 Student Introductory Guide 9 Section 1: Plan and research a Geographical Study 15 Section 2: Select and use appropriate techniques to analyse and evaluate information 43 Section 3: Present a Geographical Study 63

2 Acknowledgements Bowen, Ann and Pallister, John, Tackling Geography Coursework, Hodder & Stoughton, 1997 Doherty, Alan, Geography: Staff Notes and Student Materials for Units 2 and 3 (Advanced Higher), Learning and Teaching Scotland, 2000 Frew, Jennifer, Geography Fieldwork Projects, Nelson,1988 Geography : Fieldwork Methods and Techniques (Advanced Higher Support Materials), HSDU, 2000

3 TUTOR GUIDE Introduction to this unit In Advanced Higher Geography students must complete and present a Geographical Study based on in-depth research they have carried out into a geographical topic which may be based in the local area. Students will be expected to plan and research, and to use appropriate techniques to analyse, evaluate and present their information and findings. The Geographical Study will involve candidates in collecting and processing information from field studies and/or published sources. The Geographical Study will enable the student to develop the following skills: planning researching analysing evaluating presenting Where the student is undertaking the unit as part of a course, then he/she is required to submit the Geographical Study in the form of a 3,000-word report for external assessment. While the presentation of the information contained in the study forms part of the unit assessment, the overall external assessment does not form part of the internal unit assessment. The unit assessment focuses on the processes involved in undertaking and reviewing the indepth research on which the report is based and on the presentation of the information it contains. Evidence of these processes will be required in the form of candidates work and record keeping and tutor checklists, as follows: Candidate evidence Tutor evidence 1. A candidate planning record 1. A tutor checklist for planning 2. A candidate analysis record 2. A tutor checklist for analysis and 3. Supporting evidence, e.g. presentation (a) log book, working notes (b) list of sources (c) information and data collected (d) field sketches (e) fieldwork notebook (f) draft sections of the final report 3

4 TUTOR GUIDE This unit, the Geographical Study, is divided up into three unit outcomes and their performance criteria. These are: Outcome 1: Plan and research a Geographical Study. (a) (b) (c) The plan includes clear aims and precise, well structured research questions. The sources of information identified permit the collection of information relevant to each research question. The methods and techniques used to collect information are relevant to the study. Outcome 2: Select and use appropriate techniques to analyse and evaluate information. (a) (b) (c) The techniques selected and used to analyse information are relevant. The analysis of information is accurate. The conclusions reached are valid and clear. Outcome 3: Present a Geographical Study. (a) (b) The information is presented clearly and in a structured and logical manner. The information is presented using a range of methods and techniques. Note: Outcome 3 requires assessment of the way in which information is presented in the final report. This can be based on the final report, or on draft sections of the final report, which includes finished maps and diagrams. For further information please consult Advanced Higher Geography Support Notes or the SQA National Assessment Bank support materials. 4

5 TUTOR GUIDE Introduction to this pack This distance learning pack for Unit 2 has been divided into three sections, each one relating to an outcome. It has been further divided into sub-sections, each corresponding to a performance criterion, namely: Section 1: Outcome 1, Plan and research a Geographical Study. (a) (b) (c) The title, aims and planning of the Geographical Study (PC: The plan includes clear aims and precise, well structured research questions.) Sources of information (PC: The sources of information identified permit the collection of information relevant to each research question.) Collecting information (PC: The methods and techniques used to collect information are relevant to the study.) Section 2: Outcome 2, Select and use appropriate techniques to analyse and evaluate information. (a) Analysis techniques (PC: The techniques selected and used to analyse information are relevant.) (b & c) Analysing the data and reaching conclusions (PC: The analysis of information is accurate and the conclusions reached are valid and clear.) Section 3: Outcome 3, Present a Geographical Study. (a) Present a Geographical Study (PC: The information is presented clearly and in a structured and logical manner and the information is presented using a range of methods and techniques.) In each of the three sections the student is working towards completing the relevant outcome. 5

6 TUTOR GUIDE A number of symbols are used to help the student work through the course, namely: A1 This is an exercise that has to be completed. A1 comment This is the answer to the A1 question and further advice on how the question was solved. Advice is given on how to write up the outcomes and practice is given usually in the form of completing part of a draft outcome sheet. The student should complete the outcome and hand it in to the tutor. Submission of this material is indicated in the text, usually under the heading T1, etc. Resources This pack gives only general advice to the student on the collection, analysis and presentation of data. Obviously if every fieldwork method, collecting and analytical technique was mentioned here then the pack would become unworkable. The student should therefore be encouraged to refer to some of the many excellent fieldwork textbooks on the market today. The matrix in Section 1 (page 20) refers to a few of them. There are also several study guides and distance learning packs that the student can refer to. These should be available in departmental libraries and include: Geography Fieldwork Methods and Techniques Advanced Higher Support Materials (Higher Still Development Unit, 2000) Staff Notes and Student Materials for Units 2 and 3, Advanced Higher (Learning and Teaching Scotland, 2000) Geographical Methods and Techniques, Advanced Higher (Learning and Teaching Scotland, 2000). Storage of materials It is essential that the student stores all relevant fieldwork materials, checklists, outcome evidence and draft work in an orderly fashion. Advice is given throughout this pack on pieces of work to retain and the method of retention. 6

7 TUTOR GUIDE Deadlines Deadlines for completion of each part of the Geographical Study should be agreed upon at the start of the unit and adhered to. There is very little room for slippage. The deadlines should be realistic and should leave time for improvement or remediation. Tutors will be made aware by the SQA of the deadline date for submission of the topic. A recommended time scale for Unit 2 would be: Title, aims and plan Fieldwork Analysis Report writing 4 6 hours 2 3 days, including repeat visits (this will probably be in the student s own time) hours hours Safety Please ensure that you are familiar with all safety procedures. Students should follow guidelines set down by their presenting establishment/local authority when undertaking fieldwork. 7

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9 STUDENT GUIDE Introduction to this unit In Advanced Higher Geography you must complete and present a Geographical Study based on in-depth research you have carried out into a geographical topic which may be based in the local area. You will be expected to plan and research, and to use appropriate techniques to analyse, evaluate and present your information and findings. The Geographical Study will involve candidates in collecting and processing information from field studies and/or published sources. The Geographical Study will enable you to develop the following skills: planning researching analysing evaluating presenting Where you are undertaking the unit as part of a course, then you are required to submit the Geographical Study in the form of a 3,000-word report for external assessment. While the presentation of the information contained in the study forms part of the unit assessment, the overall external assessment does not form part of the internal unit assessment. The unit assessment focuses on the processes involved in undertaking and reviewing the indepth research on which the report is based and on the presentation of the information it contains. Evidence of these processes will be required in the form of candidates work and record keeping and tutor checklists, as follows: Candidate evidence Tutor evidence 1. A candidate planning record 1. A tutor checklist for planning 2. A candidate analysis record 2. A tutor checklist for analysis and 3. Supporting evidence, e.g. presentation (a) log book, working notes (b) list of sources (c) information and data collected (d) field sketches (e) fieldwork notebook (f) draft sections of the final report 9

10 STUDENT INTRODUCTORY GUIDE This unit, the Geographical Study, is divided up into three unit outcomes and their performance criteria. These are: Outcome 1: Plan and research a Geographical Study. (a) (b) (c) The plan includes clear aims and precise, well structured research questions. The sources of information identified permit the collection of information relevant to each research question. The methods and techniques used to collect information are relevant to the study. Outcome 2: Select and use appropriate techniques to analyse and evaluate information. (a) (b) (c) The techniques selected and used to analyse information are relevant. The analysis of information is accurate. The conclusions reached are valid and clear. Outcome 3: Present a Geographical Study. (a) (b) The information is presented clearly and in a structured and logical manner. The information is presented using a range of methods and techniques. Note: Outcome 3 requires assessment of the way in which information is presented in the final report. This can be based on the final report, or on draft sections of the final report, which includes finished maps and diagrams. For further information please consult Advanced Higher Geography Support Notes or the SQA National Assessment Bank support materials. 10

11 STUDENT INTRODUCTORY GUIDE Introduction to this pack This distance learning pack for Unit 2 has been divided into three sections, each one relating to an outcome. It has been further divided into sub-sections, each corresponding to a performance criterion, namely: Section 1: Outcome 1, Plan and research a Geographical Study. (a) (b) (c) The title, aims and planning of the Geographical Study (PC: The plan includes clear aims and precise, well structured research questions.) Sources of information (PC: The sources of information identified permit the collection of information relevant to each research question.) Collecting information (PC: The methods and techniques used to collect information are relevant to the study.) Section 2: Outcome 2, Select and use appropriate techniques to analyse and evaluate information. (a) Analysis techniques (PC: The techniques selected and used to analyse information are relevant.) (b & c) Analysing the data and reaching conclusions (PC: The analysis of information is accurate and the conclusions reached are valid and clear.) Section 3: Outcome 3, Present a Geographical Study. (a) Present a Geographical Study (PC: The information is presented clearly and in a structured and logical manner and the information is presented using a range of methods and techniques.) In each of the three sections you are working towards completing the relevant outcome. 11

12 STUDENT INTRODUCTORY GUIDE A number of symbols are used to help you work through the course, namely: A1 This is an exercise that has to be completed. A1 comment This is the answer to the A1 question and further advice on how the question was solved. Advice is given on how to write up the outcomes and practice is given usually in the form of completing part of a draft outcome sheet. You should complete the outcome and hand it in to your tutor. Submission of this material is indicated in the text, usually under the heading T1, etc. Resources This pack gives only general advice to you on the collection, analysis and presentation of data. Obviously if every fieldwork method, collecting and analytical technique was mentioned here then the pack would become unworkable. You are therefore encouraged to refer to some of the many excellent fieldwork textbooks on the market today. The matrix in Section 1 (page 20) refers to a few of them. There are also several study guides and distance learning packs that you can refer to. These should be available in school or college libraries and include: Geography Fieldwork Methods and Techniques Advanced Higher Support Materials (Higher Still Development Unit, 2000) Staff Notes and Student Materials for Units 2 and 3, Advanced Higher (Learning and Teaching Scotland, 2000) Geographical Methods and Techniques, Advanced Higher (Learning and Teaching Scotland, 2000). Storage of materials It is essential that you store all relevant fieldwork materials, checklists, outcome evidence and draft work in an orderly fashion. Advice is given throughout this pack on pieces of work to retain and the method of retention. 12

13 STUDENT INTRODUCTORY GUIDE Deadlines Deadlines for completion of each part of the Geographical Study should be agreed upon at the start of the unit and adhered to. There is very little room for slippage. The deadlines should be realistic and should leave time for improvement or remediation. Tutors will be made aware by the SQA of the deadline date for submission of the topic. A recommended time scale for Unit 2 would be: Title, aims and plan Fieldwork Analysis Report writing 4 6 hours 2 3 days, including repeat visits (this will probably be in your own time) hours hours Safety Please ensure that you are familiar with all safety procedures. You should follow guidelines set down by your presenting establishment/local authority when undertaking fieldwork. 13

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15 SECTION 1 PLAN AND RESEARCH A GEOGRAPHICAL STUDY Introduction Section 1, Outcome 1: Plan and research a Geographical Study, is divided into three parts each relating to the performance criteria. (a) (b) (c) The title, aims and planning of the Geographical Study This part involves time management, the storage of material, choosing the topic and its title, setting out the aims of the study and forward planning. The tutor should at this point liaise closely with you on deadline dates and these can be inserted into the diagram resulting from A1 and kept in your folder. T1 involves consolidating your work by writing down the title and aims of the Geographical Study. Although this will not be used as part of the outcome it is important that you store the title and aims in your folder. Sources of information This is a short section that examines primary and secondary data sources. Collecting information This part examines data collection. It gives you some advice on reference material to use for data collection, looks at the checklists used in Outcome 1 and how to fit the data collection into the outcome. T2 gets you to write a draft copy of Outcome 1. This part finishes by giving you advice on tackling field work and safety issues. Note: At the end of Section 2 there are summary sheets on three Geographical Studies. They include a retail environment, a river study and a slope study, which although more relevant for Section 2, could also be used here for fieldwork ideas. 15

16 PLAN AND RESEARCH A GEOGRAPHICAL STUDY (a) The title, aims and planning of the Geographical Study Time management The Geographical Study is a report on a topic that you have researched in depth. You should present it in the form of a 3,000-word report, which includes maps and diagrams. The Geographical Study will be assessed externally. There are many different activities involved in a Geographical Study and you must be fully aware of them. These activities have already been mentioned in the introductory notes but it is important to look at them again. They include: planning researching analysing evaluating presenting 16

17 PLAN AND RESEARCH A GEOGRAPHICAL STUDY A1 Below is a checklist of all the activities you have to do. Obviously you complete them as you work through the Geographical Study. Make a copy of them and put this into the front of your folder (see p. 18). Tick them off as you complete them. Things to do: a checklist for candidates Choose an area and theme for investigation. Decide on the aims of your study. Identify the primary and secondary resources available for study. Identify or formulate your research question(s). Plan your fieldwork and research. Decide on your fieldwork methods and techniques. Collect your data and information. Record your fieldwork, etc. in a notebook. Decide on your analysis methods and techniques. Develop and analyse your research question(s). Analyse and evaluate the information you have collected. Hand in a rough copy of your study. Rewrite any passages as necessary. Present your findings using a range of techniques. Include a title page, contents page and any necessary appendices. Hand in 25 sides of A4 with no more than 3,000 words. 17

18 PLAN AND RESEARCH A GEOGRAPHICAL STUDY Storing the material In the process of undertaking your research you will collect a large amount of data. It is therefore important to organise and store this material so you can access it when you are analysing the data. Also this material will be used as evidence that you have met the three outcomes of the Geographical Study. Therefore you should keep this work in a folder, ring binder or wallet with subject dividers or, if you prefer, in a hardback fieldwork notebook. A2 At the moment your folder should contain: 1. Model route through the Geographical Study use this to make sure you have covered everything. Your tutor may add deadlines to this. 2. Checklist of activities complete this when appropriate. 18

19 PLAN AND RESEARCH A GEOGRAPHICAL STUDY Choosing your topic Before you start you must make sure you have a long think about which geographical subject would sustain your interest over a long period of time. It should also be a subject about which you could get a lot of information, and ideally it should also gain you a good grade in your Advanced Higher Geography. A3 Answer these questions about yourself. Ring the correct statement. 1. My interests lie in physical geography/human geography. 2. I live in a rural area/urban area. 3. I have/do not have access to public or private transport. 4. I like/dislike library and book research. 5. I am good/bad at speaking to people I don t know. 6. I am good/bad at observing, drawing and photographing what I can see. 7. I am good/bad at drawing maps, graphs and diagrams. 8. I am good/bad at statistics. 9. I like/dislike being out of doors. 10. I do/don t like getting cold, dirty and wet! A3 comment This questionnaire was designed to give you an idea of the type of Geographical Study that would most interest you. Obviously if your idea of heaven is to be stretched out in front of the fire reading a good book, then a topic that requires you to stand in a river in the rain taking flow measurements would not be a good idea. Or if you don t like talking to strangers, don t opt for a topic that you know will involve you in standing outside Woolworth s asking customers how often they shop there. If you have access to a school or college, browse through some of the fieldwork books in the Geography department s library to look for topics that might appeal to you, look at the matrix on the next page for ideas, or, ask your tutor. A Geography department s library should have the Advanced Higher support materials such as Geography Fieldwork Methods and Techniques (Higher Still Development Unit, 2000). Have a good look through this as it contains good ideas on fieldwork techniques and lots of advice. 19

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21 PLAN AND RESEARCH A GEOGRAPHICAL STUDY Now that you have decided on your topic you will have to ask yourself some questions about this choice. For example, are you sure you are interested in it and that you will be able to sustain this interest? If you become bored by the topic you are likely to take short cuts and this will affect your final award. Geography has a greater variety of topics to study than any other subject so you should be able to find a Geographical Study that will interest you. Also, it is better to undertake the fieldwork in the area close to your home so that you can make repeat visits to collect data whenever it suits you and you can choose the best times to collect the data, e.g. at the weekend or during the afternoon. Further, take care to find a fieldwork area which is the right size for you to investigate in sufficient detail in the time you have available. A4 The choice questions to ask yourself. Tick the appropriate boxes. Yes No 1. Am I interested in what I propose to do? 2. Is my topic geographical? 3. Will I be able to collect enough information? 4. Is what I propose worthwhile? 5. Is my Study neither too simple nor too ambitious? 6. Is my topic original? 7. Have I read about my topic in books? 8. Have I talked over my ideas with others? 9. Can I travel to my research area easily? 10. Have I thought in detail about what I propose? 11. Am I clear in my mind what I aim to do? A4 comment This questionnaire was designed to make sure you are on the right geographical track! It is important at this stage to have a word with your tutor about what you intend to research for your Geographical Study. He/she will be able to tell you whether it is appropriate or not and might give you further ideas to investigate. 21

22 PLAN AND RESEARCH A GEOGRAPHICAL STUDY The plan Now that you have thought about what you want to study and where you want to study it, you are ready to plan exactly how you will go about the Geographical Study. The plan is divided up into several sections and we will be looking at each one in turn. These sections include: the title the aims the collection of data. A5 It is a good idea to start off by completing a skeleton plan which you can refer to while you are working through the Geographical Study. It should look something like the one below. Copy out the headings and complete the plan as you are working through this section. Store it in your folder. Advanced Higher Geographical Study: The Plan Title Aims Collection of data 1. Fieldwork methods 2. Secondary sources Each of these sections will be taken in turn and discussed. By the end of this section you should be able to complete your plan. 22

23 PLAN AND RESEARCH A GEOGRAPHICAL STUDY The title Your title should describe what your Geographical Study is about. The best titles are often written as one of the following: 1. A hypothesis is an issue that can be tested. It is usually expressed as a relationship between two or more variables, e.g. the study of the relationship between height and land use on a slope. If you are testing a hypothesis you need to produce evidence to support, dismiss or amend the hypothesis. The purpose is not simply to prove whether or not it is correct. 2. A question, e.g. Why is the retail park located at the edge of the town? In this case you have to provide evidence to indicate whether it is or is not. A question often has the key words what, how, where, when, why? Some of the following titles can also be worded as a question: 3. An issue, e.g. Does town X need a bypass? An issue considers an argument. There are usually two sides to the argument and you have to find out both viewpoints and make a judgement on them. 4. A problem, e.g. Has the construction of an out-of-town retail park affected the business of the shops located in the town centre? Here you have to research the problem and suggest possible solutions supported by explanations. 5. A comparison between two features, e.g. Is village A similar to village B in respect to their layout and growth? Here you have to compare and contrast the two features and account for any similarities and differences found. 23

24 PLAN AND RESEARCH A GEOGRAPHICAL STUDY A6 Below is a list of titles. Write down beside each one whether it is a hypothesis, question, issue, problem or comparison. Some of the titles might give you ideas for your Geographical Study: 1. Does the Calder Burn fit into the model of an upland river? 2. Relief, drainage and soils do not affect the land use in slope X. 3. Has the building of a bypass affected the custom in Town Y s town centre? 4. How does land use along road C change with distance from the city centre? 5. Are the leisure facilities in town D adequate for the needs of the population? 6. Is there a difference in the farming system of an upland farm compared to a lowland farm? 24

25 PLAN AND RESEARCH A GEOGRAPHICAL STUDY A6 comment 1. Comparison. Here you are comparing the characteristics of a stream to the characteristics expected for a theoretical upland river and accounting for any similarities or differences. 2. Hypothesis. Here you are examining the physical features to find out if they have an effect on the land use and if they have, how they affect it. 3. Issue. You are considering the positive and negative effect on the town centre of building the bypass and coming to your own conclusion. 4. A straightforward question but you must give reasons for your findings. 5. Problem. In this case you have to research whether the leisure facilities are adequate and if you find that they are not you have to examine what other facilities would be required. 6. Comparison. The clue is in the title! 25

26 PLAN AND RESEARCH A GEOGRAPHICAL STUDY The aims Once you have decided on your title you now have to write down your aims. The aims are an outline of everything you are going to investigate. For example, you are testing the hypothesis: Relief, drainage and soils affect the land use in slope X. Your aims here might be to: undertake a land-use survey of the slope take slope gradients at sample points collect soil samples at sample points on the slope for soil analysis study an OS map of the area to describe relief, draw cross-sections, a soil catena (or chain), etc. analyse the information obtained and accept or reject the hypothesis Look at the title and aims above and then read the advice that is listed below: 1. Have a good strong title that you can base your aims on. For example, look at the title above it mentions relief, drainage, soils and land use. The aims are based on these words. 2. Read some fieldwork textbooks on your topic. Some may have the aims written down! 3. Make sure your aims are organised in the order in which you want to investigate them and that they are clearly stated. 4. Make sure your aims will enable you to collect a large amount of data. 5. Remember: the stronger and clearer the aims, the more data can be collected, the more complex material can be presented, and the better the grade in your Advanced Higher! 26

27 PLAN AND RESEARCH A GEOGRAPHICAL STUDY A7 Write down the aims of the following Geographical Study. Are there differences in village A s shopping centre compared to town B s shopping centre? 27

28 PLAN AND RESEARCH A GEOGRAPHICAL STUDY A7 comment The aims in this Geographical Study would be to: Compare the type and order of the shops in village A with those of town B. Find out the sphere of influence of the two centres: what is the catchment area of the customers shopping in them? Find out the shopping habits of the customers in the two centres. Examine the street appearance of both shopping centres. Examine how busy both shopping centres are. (Note that at this point you do not have to mention the methods of collecting the data, e.g. land-use surveys, questionnaires, environmental indices, pedestrian counts and traffic counts.) 28

29 PLAN AND RESEARCH A GEOGRAPHICAL STUDY T1 You are now ready to write down your title and aims. Before you begin check the following: Is the title geographical? Will you be able to collect a variety and suitable quantity of data? Is your choice of title neither too narrow nor too broad? Will the study sustain your interest? Write down your title here: Geographical Study: title Now write down your aims. Make sure these are clearly stated and organised in such a way that they follow a logical pattern so that you can analyse them easily. You should attempt to have no fewer than four aims. Your tutor will give you advice on this. Geographical Study: aims You should now present this completed sheet to your tutor for advice and approval. Copy this page and store it in your folder. 29

30 PLAN AND RESEARCH A GEOGRAPHICAL STUDY (b) Sources of information The key idea of collecting data is to make sure that it is relevant to the aims of your work and that you are able to collect a range and reasonable quantity of relevant information. There is nothing worse than going down a road that stops at a dead end or following a lead that dries up! So, before you start to identify as many sources of data collection as possible, remember that there are two main types of data: 1. Primary data This is data that you collect for yourself, in the field. Primary data includes: Observed information, e.g. by land-use surveys, drawing sketches, taking photos and writing notes. Data or material which has been collected. This may include questionnaires and interviews, soil samples, etc. Measurements, e.g. river speed, temperature and rainfall readings, stone size and shape, etc. Counts, e.g. pedestrian and traffic counts. Making an assessment, e.g. measuring the environmental quality of an urban area by undertaking an environmental index. 2. Secondary data This is information that is collected from other sources. You must keep a list of all the sources you have used, as it will form a list of references at the end of your Geographical Study. Secondary data includes: Any information collected using information technology, e.g. the internet, CD ROM, etc. Information collected from libraries and published sources such as newspapers, journals, books, maps, photographs, sketches. Information from government sources and publications, e.g. the census or town plans. 30

31 PLAN AND RESEARCH A GEOGRAPHICAL STUDY The list of sources identified for Outcome 1, PC (b) is as follows: Secondary data Textbooks Letters Newspapers Journals Interviews Maps, photographs, sketches CD ROMs Videos The Internet Primary data a. Physical topics Morphological mapping Vegetation sampling Slope analysis Stream analysis Meteorology in the local setting Soil profiles and characteristics Pebble analysis b. Human topics Rural land-use mapping Urban land-use mapping Traffic, pedestrian and environmental quality surveys Questionnaire design and implementation Use of secondary sources Reilly s law of retail gravitation Huff s probability law Nearest neighbour analysis 31

32 PLAN AND RESEARCH A GEOGRAPHICAL STUDY (c) Collecting information IMPORTANT At this point you must do some research on the sources of data, techniques of data collection and fieldwork techniques that you can use for your Geographical Study. Look through some of the reference material below to help you. Have a good look through the Advanced Higher support materials entitled Geography: Fieldwork Methods and Techniques (HSDU, 2000). Browse through some fieldwork books. Look again at the matrix on page 20. Ask your tutor for tips. Note that at the end of Section 2 (pages 57 62) there are summary sheets for three Geographical Studies. They include a retail environment, a river study and a slope study, which although more relevant for Section 2, could be used here for fieldwork ideas. 32

33 PLAN AND RESEARCH A GEOGRAPHICAL STUDY Before you collect your data you must ask yourself the following: What type of primary and secondary data will I collect? (See A8 ) When will I collect the data? For example, if you are doing a study of a bypass you might want to undertake traffic counts at the morning and evening rush hours as well as possibly quieter mid-morning or mid-afternoon periods. How will I collect the data? For example, am I able to work on my own (not recommended)? Or will I take a friend with me to help me with my river measurements or pedestrian counts (highly recommended)? What materials and equipment will I need to take with me to collect the data? For example, hardback notebook or clipboard, pen and pencil, poly bag to put these in when it rains, camera, base maps for surveys, shopping survey questionnaires, poly bags for soil samples, a clinometer for slope analysis, etc. Where will I collect my data? Obviously you will want an accessible and safe site, one to which you can return easily for future data collection if necessary, and one which will yield a suitable amount of information for your study. 33

34 PLAN AND RESEARCH A GEOGRAPHICAL STUDY A9 Your Geographical Study has the following title and aims: Title How does the Calder Burn compare with the model upper stage of a river? Aims of study: To establish whether: The river channel changes in width downstream. The river channel changes in depth downstream. The river s velocity (speed of flow) changes downstream. The river valley changes shape downstream. There is a change in the size of the boulders in the river channel downstream. The river compares to a theoretical upland river. Explain the data collection you would undertake for this study. You may need to refer to a textbook here. Remember there are many fieldwork textbooks that will give you excellent advice on the collection of data for your Geographical Study. Ask your tutor about these. 34

35 PLAN AND RESEARCH A GEOGRAPHICAL STUDY A9 comment Title How does the Calder Burn compare with the model upper stage of a river? Aims of study Explain the data collection you would undertake for this study. The river channel changes in width downstream. Measurement of channel width at selected sites using a tape measure and recording this information on a prepared (by you!) river recording sheet. The river channel changes in depth downstream. Measurement of depth of channel taken at (for example) 25-cm intervals across the river at selected sites downstream. The river s velocity (speed of flow) changes downstream. Measurement of speed by using a flowmeter. The river valley changes shape downstream. Observation of channel and bank features, photographs and field sketches. There is a change in the size of the boulders in the river channel downstream. Measurement of the dimensions of a sample of boulders collected at the selected sites. The river compares to a theoretical upland river. Secondary data on rivers from geography textbooks, additional information on your river from OS maps, geology maps, etc. 35

36 PLAN AND RESEARCH A GEOGRAPHICAL STUDY A10 You are now able to write down your title, aims and data collection. Do so in the frames below. Check this with your tutor and store it in your file. Title Aims Data collection 36

37 PLAN AND RESEARCH A GEOGRAPHICAL STUDY You are almost ready to complete your plan for Outcome 1 and research a Geographical Study. Part of the plan of the river study has been done for you below as an example. Try your own on pages and return it to your tutor for comment. (a) Choice of topic: A river study. (b) Title chosen: How does the Calder Burn compare with the model upper stage of a river? (c) Aims of study: to examine whether: The river channel changes in width downstream. The river channel changes in depth downstream. The river s velocity (speed of flow) changes downstream. The river valley changes shape downstream. There is a change in the size of the boulders in the river channel downstream. The river compares to a theoretical upland river. (d) Research questions: Does the river channel become wider downstream? Does the river channel become deeper downstream? Does the river s velocity (speed of flow) become faster downstream? Does the river valley change shape downstream? Is there a change in the size of the boulders in the river channel downstream? How does the river compare to a theoretical upland river? 37

38 PLAN AND RESEARCH A GEOGRAPHICAL STUDY (e) Sources to be used Relevance to research questions Textbooks Information on the theoretical upper Letters course of a river. Newspapers Journals Interviews Maps, photographs, sketches OS base map for sites, textbook photos CD ROMs and sketches. Videos Higher Geography video on river The Internet measurement. Others (please specify) Additional comments (f) Fieldwork methods and techniques used for study a. Physical topics Morphological mapping Vegetation sampling Slope analysis Stream analysis Width, depth, speed measurements. Meteorology in the local setting Soil profiles and characteristics Pebble analysis Measurement of pebble dimensions. b. Human topics Rural land-use mapping Urban land-use mapping Traffic, pedestrian and environmental quality surveys Questionnaire design and implementation Use of secondary sources Reilly s law of retail gravitation Huff s probability law Nearest neighbour analysis Justification of methods and techniques used 38

39 PLAN AND RESEARCH A GEOGRAPHICAL STUDY T2 You are now ready to write your own copy of Outcome 1, Plan and research a Geographical Study. Try a draft copy here, and when you are satisfied complete Outcome 1 and present this to your tutor for advice and approval. Keep a copy and store it in your folder. (a) Choice of topic: (b) Title chosen: (c) Aims of study: to examine whether: (d) Research questions: 39

40 PLAN AND RESEARCH A GEOGRAPHICAL STUDY (e) Sources to be used Relevance to research questions Textbooks Letters Newspapers Journals Interviews Maps, photographs, sketches CD ROMs Videos The Internet Others (please specify) Additional comments (f) Fieldwork methods and techniques used for study a. Physical topics Morphological mapping Vegetation sampling Slope analysis Stream analysis Meteorology in the local setting Soil profiles and characteristics Pebble analysis b. Human topics Rural land-use mapping Urban land-use mapping Traffic, pedestrian and environmental quality surveys Questionnaire design and implementation Use of secondary sources Reilly s law of retail gravitation Huff s probability law Nearest neighbour analysis Justification of methods and techniques used 40

41 PLAN AND RESEARCH A GEOGRAPHICAL STUDY Tackling the fieldwork You must go out into the field properly prepared. It is a good idea to write a plan or diary to show what you are going to do and when. Also, it is usually better to start by making a reconnaissance visit. This is making a quick visit before beginning properly. It will give you an idea of your fieldwork site and enable you to plan how to collect the information as efficiently and quickly as possible. Below is a list of do s and don ts of data collection. Do s Don ts Planning Planning Plan your data collection carefully Struggle ask your tutor for help Plan to collect some primary data and Rely only on secondary data a variety of data Rely only on one data source Make sure your surveys are linked to your aims Preparation Preparation Think about safety* Leave it until the last minute Think about access** Forget to take all your equipment Plan to visit places more than once make a list of the items to take. (For Wear suitable clothing (it must be example, a hardback notebook or comfortable and suitable for the clipboard, pen and pencil, poly bag to weather conditions and the put these in when it rains, camera, base environment you are working in) maps for surveys, questionnaires, poly Prepare your record sheets, plan your bags for soil or pebble samples, transport and helpers instruments for measurement such as a Think about the best time to do your clinometer for slope analysis, etc.) fieldwork Forget to think about timing you do not want to be working in the dark! Forget to take high-energy food like chocolate, a torch and compass just in case and a mobile phone Collection Collection Collect the appropriate data write Leave taking photos until winter time! your aims on a piece of card and take Collect too little or too much data this with you Trespass or break the law** Be as accurate as possible Do anything which may be unsafe Follow the Country Code** or dangerous* Be polite to the public Take notes about any problems. You will need to evaluate the success of your data collection 41

42 PLAN AND RESEARCH A GEOGRAPHICAL STUDY *Safety It cannot be overemphasised that safety is paramount when undertaking fieldwork. Please ensure you are familiar with any local authority policies on risk analysis and fieldwork before you go out into the field. Ask your tutor if you are not sure. Tell a responsible person where you are going and when you will be back. Work in pairs and small groups if at all possible. **The Country Code The Country Code is a good guide wherever you are. Guard against fire risk. Fasten all gates. Keep dogs under control. Keep to the paths across farmland. Avoid damaging fences, hedges and walls. Leave no litter. Safeguard water supplies. Protect wildlife, wild plants and trees. Go carefully in country roads. Respect the life of the countryside. You are now ready to undertake your fieldwork. Be careful, and enjoy yourself! Do not lose your fieldwork material. Store it in your folder. 42

43 SECTION 2 SELECT AND USE APPROPRIATE TECHNIQUES Introduction Section 2, Outcome 2: Select and use appropriate techniques to analyse and evaluate information, has been divided into two parts each relating to the performance criteria. (a) Analysis techniques This part corresponds to PC 2(a) The techniques selected and used to analyse information are relevant. It contains the list of recommended analysis techniques and areas where they could be used in the Geographical Study. It also uses a river study as a case study for the use of analysis techniques. You have to list your own analysis techniques for your own Study. Again it should be noted that you should refer to reference books for further information and application of these techniques. You should have a reasonable grounding in many of these if you have successfully completed the section of Advanced Higher Unit 1 entitled Geographical Methods and Techniques. (b) & (c) Analysing of the data and reaching conclusions This part corresponds to PC 2(b) and (c) The analysis of information is accurate and the conclusions reached are valid and clear. This section shows you how to analyse data properly and draw conclusions. You should be ready to complete Outcome 2 by the end of this section. At the end of this section are three Geographical Studies that summarise fieldwork methods as well as collecting and analysing techniques that could be useful in a Geographical Study. 43

44 SELECT AND USE APPROPRIATE TECHNIQUES (a) Analysis techniques When you have collected your primary and secondary data you are then in a position to analyse it. Data analysis allows you to make sense of the data you have collected and apply it to your original aims. At this stage you must choose appropriate mapping, graphical and statistical techniques to enable you to illustrate and analyse your data. It is best to use a variety of techniques to show that you understand how to apply and analyse them properly. Remember most of the work you did in the Geographical Methods and Techniques section of Advanced Higher Unit 1 was building the foundation for what you are about to do now: that is, analyse and present your data. You can check how to analyse your data from the following sources: Learning and Teaching Scotland has a distance learning pack, Geographical Methods and Techniques, which covers all the recommended mapping, statistical and graphical techniques required to analyse your data. Have a good look through the Advanced Higher support materials entitled Geography: Fieldwork Methods and Techniques (HSDU, 2000) as this also contains additional techniques. Browse through some fieldwork books. Ask your tutor. 44

45 SELECT AND USE APPROPRIATE TECHNIQUES Outcome 2 of the Geographical Study lists a number of methods and techniques used to analyse information. This list is repeated here with some advice about where you can best use the techniques. Methods/techniques used Maps Diagrams and illustrations Graphs Charts Tables Comment Two maps are usually needed to show the location of your study area. One should give a general idea of the location of the area and the other, larger-scale map should show the actual area of your Geographical Study. It is better to draw your own maps with details relevant to your study than to supply a photocopied map. Other maps you may include are choropleth maps, flow maps, isoline maps, dot maps, etc. Properly labelled diagrams or illustrations are useful tools to use in order to supplement written information and break up a block of text. Make sure they are neat and relevant. Line graphs, pie graphs, bar graphs and pictographs are very useful and usually found in Geographical Studies, but there are also many other more suitable graphs to use, e.g. triangular graphs when comparing three components or logarithmic graphs when looking at things that differ enormously in size. If you are collating information from a questionnaire or undertaking a pedestrian or traffic count, then you are most likely to be using a tally chart where numbers are counted in bundles of 5 (five-bar gate). This is a neat version of showing all the raw data collected. A table takes the chart a stage further. Here the data can be given headings and values. Once you have the values in a table, simple calculations can be done. For example, the information can be converted into percentages, or it can be ranked or averages calculated. 45

46 SELECT AND USE APPROPRIATE TECHNIQUES Statistical techniques Photographs Sketches If your data collection presents you with a lot of values, you might want to use statistical processing to examine any relationships, to look at the spread of values, or to test if your findings are significant. Photographs can be very useful if used properly. Remember to label them properly. Photographs can: Set the scene if used in your introduction, e.g. they can show some of the features of your study area Show how you collected your data Give examples to show what you mean, e.g. pebble size, or the horizons on a soil profile Provide views of physical features, e.g. a river meander or cliff face Provide views of human features, e.g. housing types or factory locations. Field sketches too allow you to make a visual record of what you observed when undertaking your fieldwork. Some things are better shown than written about. Sketches have the following advantages over photographs: They can simplify what you see When properly labelled they show your interpretation of the landscape Important features can be emphasised and lesser features, e.g. a bush in the foreground, can be left out No view is too wide to be sketched whereas a wide-angle camera lens might still not include everything you want to show. 46

47 SELECT AND USE APPROPRIATE TECHNIQUES A2 You will remember the example of a Geographical Study we were using earlier, the Calder Burn (pages 18, 28, etc.). Written below is its title, the aims of the study and the data collected. In the third column write down the techniques you would use to analyse the information collected. You will probably have to consult reference material to help you. Title How does the Calder Burn compare with the theoretical upper stage of a river? Aims of study (to Data collection Analysis methods/ establish whether) techniques The river channel changes in width downstream. Width measurements. Higher Geography video on river measurement. The river channel changes in depth downstream. Depth measurements. The river s velocity (speed of flow) changes downstream. Speed measurements. The river valley changes shape downstream. OS base map for sites, textbook photos and sketches. There is a change in the size of the boulders in the river channel downstream. Selection of a sample of stones. The river compares to a theoretical upland river. Information on the theoretical upper course of a river. 47

48 SELECT AND USE APPROPRIATE TECHNIQUES A2 comment In the third column write down the techniques you would use to analyse the information collected. Aims of study (to Data collection Analysis methods/ establish whether) techniques The river channel changes Width measurements. Higher Does the river become wider, in width downstream. Geography video on river deeper, slower downstream? measurement. Line graphs to show this information. Horizontal axis distance from source (use the horizontal axis from long profile). Vertical axis speed, depth, width. The river channel changes Depth measurements. See above. in depth downstream. The river s velocity Velocity measurements. Pearson s product moment speed of flow) changes correlation coefficient. downstream. There is no relationship between distance from source and velocity of river. Use the information collected at the sample points for this exercise. Draw a regression line. The river valley changes OS base map for sites, Cross-sections, photographs, shape downstream. textbook photos and sketches. field sketches. There is a change in the Selection of a sample of Calculate the mean and size of the boulders in stones. standard deviation stone size for the river channel the 10 stones collected at each downstream. sample point. It is expected that the stones will become smaller downstream as the river loses its energy and the SD becomes smaller as sorting takes place. Sample point. The river compares to a Information on the Description of stream and its theoretical upland river. theoretical upper course valley from 1:25000 OS map. of a river. Construction of long profile from this map. Additional information from 1:50000 solid geology maps. 48