geographical methods (1. how to design fieldwork)

Question 1

what is fieldwork

Answer 1

a systematic approach for us to investigate geographical phenomena and their related issues by applying relevant geographical concepts and skills

Question 2

what are the 5 stages of fieldwork process

Answer 2

1. craft research questions or hypothesis
2. collection of data
3. analysis of data
4. presentation of findings
5. conclusion and evaluation

Question 3

stage 1 of fieldwork process

Answer 3

craft and research question or hypothesis

Question 4

stage 2 of fieldwork process

Answer 4

collection of data

Question 5

stage 3 of fieldwork process

Answer 5

analysis of data

Question 6

stage 4 of fieldwork process

Answer 6

presentation of findings

Question 7

state 5 of fieldwork process

Answer 7

conclusion and evaluation

Question 8

how does fieldwork often begin

Answer 8

with a research question or hypothesis

Question 9

how do we craft a research question or hypothesis

Answer 9

researchers need to first find out more about the topic or a thesis from credible sources such as textbooks, news articles or websites

Question 10

what is the main difference between a research question and a hypothesis

Answer 10

a research question ends with a question mark (?)
a hypothesis ends with a full stop (.)

Question 11

definition of research question

Answer 11

a question that outlines a specific scope for investigation related to the topic

Question 12

definition of hypothesis

Answer 12

a measurable statement consisting of 2 or more variables

Question 13

when are research questions used

Answer 13

often used when little research exists or the relationships between the variables are uncertain

Question 14

when are hypotheses used

Answer 14

often used when a large body of research on the topic is available and relationships between the variables are quite certain

Question 15

number of possible conclusions in a research question

Answer 15

many possible conclusions may be formed at the end of the investigation

Question 16

number of possible conclusions in a hypothesis

Answer 16

a definite conclusion i’d formed at the end of the investigation

Question 17

what are 2 things to decide on before collecting data

Answer 17

1. type of data to collect
2. sequence of data to collect

Question 18

what are the different types of data

Answer 18

primary and secondary data
quantitative data and qualitative data

Question 19

primary data

Answer 19

data that is collected firsthand

Question 20

secondary data

Answer 20

data that was collected by someone else

Question 21

quantitative data

Answer 21

• data that can be quantified and measured (12345)
  -eg. data from a close ended questionnaire survey (questions that offer limited responses)

Question 22

qualitative data

Answer 22

• data that are not easily measurable and is subjective in nature (abcde)
  -eg. open ended responses and semi structured interviews

Question 23

what are open ended responses

Answer 23

questions that allow participants to give free form responses, and hence participants are able to express their fullest range of views, preferences or emotions.

Question 24

what is the sequence of data collection processes

Answer 24

quantitative then qualitative

Question 25

why is quantitative data collected first followed by qualitative data

Answer 25

quantitative data are collected first to identify patterns and trends qualitative data are collected subsequently to examine the patterns and trends observed

Question 26

quantitative data are collected first to

Answer 26

make observations

Question 27

qualitative data is collected subsequently to

Answer 27

verify the observations

Question 28

what does a well designed fieldwork consider

Answer 28

all limitations and risks in the investigation

Question 29

what are the limitations of fieldwork

Answer 29

limitations brought about by research aim, study area, sample size and timeframe may require adjustments in fieldwork depending on the resources available

Question 30

what are the limitations of fieldwork

Answer 30

limitations brought about by research aim, study area, sample size and timeframe my require adjustments in fieldwork depending on the resources available

Question 31

researchers make choices about the

Answer 31

aims, methods, sample size and amount of data they must analyse and manage

Question 32

what practicalities can affect the decisions of researchers

Answer 32

what, where, when and length of fieldwork

Question 33

why must risks in fieldwork be considered

Answer 33

potential risks in fieldwork depending must be considered to ensure mitigation measures are implemented to avoid harming people and nature

Question 34

examples of potential risks in fieldwork

Answer 34

fall, cuts, minor injuries traffic accidents, collision with cyclist students getting lost

Question 35

when collecting data, students should not

Answer 35

use responses from people without their express consent

Question 36

when collecting data, photographs used should be

Answer 36

carefully selected to keep to general scenes instead of signalling out individuals

Question 37

when collecting data, students should consider

Answer 37

whether data collected will be made anonymous by removing names and any other personal identifiers

Question 38

when crafting questions for interviews, students should

Answer 38

avoid questions which can cause offence or misunderstanding this includes questions about religion, gender and income level

Question 39

what is a pilot survey

Answer 39

a strategy used to test the questionnaire using a smaller sample compared to the planned size.

Question 40

what are the advantages if a pilot survey

Answer 40

1.to test methodology/ check sample size 2. opportunity to change methodology/ make improvements 3. gain confidence in doing fieldwork/ practice/ gain experience