Key Definitions

Question 1

What is a Geographical Enquiry?

Answer 1

A process of investigating a geographical question by collecting, analysing, and evaluating data. E.g. how land use changes from town centre to outskirts.

Question 2

What is a Hypothesis?

Answer 2

A testable prediction based on observation or theory. E.g. ‘Pedestrian counts will be higher in the town centre than the outskirts.’

Question 3

What is Geographical Theory?

Answer 3

Ideas or models that explain patterns and processes. E.g. the Burgess model shows land use in rings around a city.

Question 4

What is Fieldwork?

Answer 4

Collecting data outside the classroom to investigate a geographical question. E.g. measuring river width and flow.

Question 5

What is Primary Evidence?

Answer 5

Data you collect yourself during fieldwork. E.g. measuring urban temperatures.

Question 6

What is Secondary Evidence?

Answer 6

Data collected by others. E.g. using census or weather website data.

Question 7

What is a Risk?

Answer 7

Something that could cause harm during fieldwork. E.g. slipping on wet rocks.

Question 8

What is a Risk Assessment?

Answer 8

Identifying dangers before fieldwork and evaluating likelihood/severity. E.g. noting a steep riverbank.

Question 9

What is Risk Mitigation?

Answer 9

Actions to reduce or remove risks. E.g. wearing boots and avoiding river edges.

Question 10

What is Human Data?

Answer 10

Information related to people or activity. E.g. counting pedestrians.

Question 11

What is Physical Data?

Answer 11

Information about natural features. E.g. river depth measurements.

Question 12

What is Sampling?

Answer 12

Studying a small group to represent a larger one. E.g. every 5th person.

Question 13

What is a Data Collection Method?

Answer 13

The way data is gathered during fieldwork. E.g. using questionnaires.

Question 14

What is Systematic Sampling?

Answer 14

Collecting data at regular intervals. E.g. every 100 metres.

Question 15

What is Stratified Sampling?

Answer 15

Collecting data from specific groups based on proportions. E.g. age groups from local stats.

Question 16

What is Random Sampling?

Answer 16

Data collected without a pattern. E.g. randomly chosen map locations.

Question 17

What is Qualitative Data?

Answer 17

Descriptive data based on opinions or observations. E.g. feelings about traffic.

Question 18

What is Quantitative Data?

Answer 18

Numerical data that can be measured or counted. E.g. number of passing cars.

Question 19

What is Data Presentation?

Answer 19

How data is displayed to understand it. E.g. bar chart of pedestrian counts.

Question 20

What is Appropriate Data Presentation?

Answer 20

Best way to present data based on type. E.g. pie chart for land use percentages.

Question 21

What is Cartographic Data Presentation?

Answer 21

Using maps to show data. E.g. colour-coded land use map.

Question 22

What is Graphical Data Presentation?

Answer 22

Using graphs/charts to show data. E.g. line graph for river speed.

Question 23

What is Processing Data?

Answer 23

Organising or changing raw data for clarity. E.g. calculating averages.

Question 24

What are Numerical Skills?

Answer 24

Using maths to understand results. E.g. calculating mean vehicles/hour.

Question 25

What are Statistical Skills?

Answer 25

Using statistics to compare data. E.g. calculating range or median.

Question 26

What are Graphical Skills?

Answer 26

Choosing/creating the right visual. E.g. bar chart for traffic counts.

Question 27

What is Justification of Data Presentation?

Answer 27

Explaining why a method was chosen. E.g. 'Pie chart shows proportions clearly.'

Question 28

What does Describing Data involve?

Answer 28

Saying what the data shows in clear terms. E.g. 'Highest pedestrian count in zone A.'

Question 29

What does Analysing Data involve?

Answer 29

Looking for patterns, relationships or trends. E.g. pedestrian numbers fall with distance.

Question 30

What does Explaining Data involve?

Answer 30

Giving reasons for patterns seen. E.g. 'More shops in centre = more people.'

Question 31

What are Data Set Links?

Answer 31

Connections between different pieces of data. E.g. traffic levels linked to noise levels.

Question 32

What are Statistical Techniques?

Answer 32

Mathematical tools to describe or compare data. E.g. calculating averages or identifying outliers.

Question 33

What are Anomalies?

Answer 33

Data that doesn’t fit the pattern. E.g. unusually high noise in a quiet area.

Question 34

What are Conclusions in fieldwork?

Answer 34

Final judgements based on data. E.g. 'Centre is busier due to more attractions.'

Question 35

What are Data Limitations?

Answer 35

Factors that reduce data accuracy or usefulness. E.g. small sample size, biased responses.

Question 36

What is meant by Reliability of Conclusions?

Answer 36

How trustworthy your findings are, based on data quality and consistency.