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A Level H2 Geography Fieldwork Quiz
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Questions
A-Level Geography H2 Quiz - Fieldwork
Name: _________________________ Class: _________________________ Date: _________________________ Score: ______ / 50
Duration: 1 hour 15 minutes Total Marks: 50
Instructions:
- This quiz contains 20 questions on Fieldwork.
- Answer ALL questions in the spaces provided.
- The marks for each question are indicated in brackets.
- Where appropriate, support your answers with specific examples and geographical terminology.
Section A: Research Design & Methodology (Questions 1–5)
Total: 12 marks
1. State two characteristics of a well-formulated geographical research question. [2]
2. A student plans to investigate the relationship between distance from the CBD and environmental quality in a city. Suggest one appropriate hypothesis for this investigation. [2]
3. Explain why a pilot study is an important step before conducting primary data collection. [3]
4. Identify one potential risk associated with conducting fieldwork in an urban area and describe one mitigation measure. [3]
5. A research team wants to study pedestrian flow at three different locations in a city centre. State the independent variable and the dependent variable in this investigation. [2]
Section B: Data Collection Methods (Questions 6–10)
Total: 13 marks
6. Distinguish between systematic sampling and stratified sampling. [3]
7. A student uses a questionnaire to collect data on residents' perceptions of green spaces. Identify two limitations of using questionnaires as a primary data collection method. [2]
8. Explain how a bipolar environmental quality survey is conducted. [3]
9. Describe one advantage and one disadvantage of using secondary data in a geographical investigation. [3]
10. A fieldwork group is measuring river velocity using a float and stopwatch. Outline the procedure they should follow to ensure reliable results. [2]
Section C: Data Presentation & Analysis (Questions 11–15)
Total: 13 marks
11. State one appropriate data presentation technique for each of the following data types:
(a) Pedestrian counts at five different locations [1]
(b) Changes in river depth along a 500-metre transect [1]
(c) Percentage of respondents agreeing with a statement on a Likert scale [1]
12. A student calculates the mean environmental quality score for two neighbourhoods. Explain why the mean alone may be insufficient for comparing the two areas. [3]
13. Describe how Spearman's rank correlation coefficient can be used to analyse fieldwork data. [3]
14. A scatter graph shows a weak positive correlation between two variables. Explain what this means in the context of a geographical investigation. [2]
15. Identify one way in which GIS could be used to present fieldwork findings. [2]
Section D: Evaluation & Conclusions (Questions 16–20)
Total: 12 marks
16. A student concludes that "traffic congestion is the main cause of air pollution in the study area." Suggest two ways in which this conclusion could be evaluated. [2]
17. Explain why it is important to acknowledge limitations when writing a fieldwork conclusion. [3]
18. A fieldwork investigation on microclimate variation recorded temperature data at six sites. The student notices that one site recorded an unusually high temperature. Suggest two possible reasons for this anomalous result. [2]
19. "Fieldwork findings from one location can be generalised to other similar locations." Discuss the validity of this statement with reference to geographical investigations. [3]
20. Propose one way in which a fieldwork investigation on urban liveability could be extended or improved for future research. [2]
END OF QUIZ
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Answers
A-Level Geography H2 Quiz - Fieldwork: Answer Key & Marking Scheme
Total Marks: 50
Section A: Research Design & Methodology (Questions 1–5)
Total: 12 marks
1. State two characteristics of a well-formulated geographical research question. [2]
Answer (any two, 1 mark each):
- It is specific and focused (not overly broad).
- It is measurable / testable using data that can be collected.
- It has a clear spatial or temporal context.
- It establishes a relationship between variables (e.g., cause and effect, correlation).
- It is feasible given available time, resources, and access.
Marking notes: Award 1 mark for each valid characteristic. Accept any reasonable geographical phrasing.
2. A student plans to investigate the relationship between distance from the CBD and environmental quality in a city. Suggest one appropriate hypothesis for this investigation. [2]
Answer (award 2 marks for a clear, testable hypothesis):
- "Environmental quality increases with increasing distance from the CBD."
- "There is a positive correlation between distance from the CBD and environmental quality scores."
- "Areas closer to the CBD have lower environmental quality than areas further from the CBD."
Marking notes: Award 1 mark for a directional statement; award 2 marks for a clearly testable hypothesis with variables identified. Accept null hypothesis format.
3. Explain why a pilot study is an important step before conducting primary data collection. [3]
Answer (award up to 3 marks):
- A pilot study allows the researcher to test data collection methods and instruments (e.g., questionnaires, survey sheets) to identify any problems or ambiguities (1 mark).
- It helps assess the feasibility of the investigation in terms of time, access, and resources (1 mark).
- It enables refinement of sampling strategy and identification of unforeseen practical issues, improving the reliability and validity of the final data collection (1 mark).
Marking notes: Award 1 mark for each distinct, well-explained point. Accept references to testing equipment, refining hypotheses, or training team members.
4. Identify one potential risk associated with conducting fieldwork in an urban area and describe one mitigation measure. [3]
Answer (award up to 3 marks):
- Risk (1 mark): Traffic hazards / risk of accidents when conducting surveys near roads.
- Mitigation (2 marks): Wear high-visibility clothing; position team members away from traffic flow on pavements; conduct surveys during off-peak hours; ensure adequate supervision.
- Alternative risk (1 mark): Personal safety / risk of theft or harassment in certain areas.
- Alternative mitigation (2 marks): Work in groups; avoid isolated areas; carry mobile phones; inform others of fieldwork schedule; conduct fieldwork during daylight hours.
Marking notes: Award 1 mark for identifying a plausible risk. Award up to 2 marks for a well-described, practical mitigation measure. Accept other valid risks (weather, slips/trips, etc.).
5. A research team wants to study pedestrian flow at three different locations in a city centre. State the independent variable and the dependent variable in this investigation. [2]
Answer:
- Independent variable (1 mark): Location / site (the three different locations in the city centre).
- Dependent variable (1 mark): Pedestrian flow / number of pedestrians (the variable being measured).
Marking notes: Award 1 mark for each correctly identified variable. Accept "site" or "location" for independent variable; accept "pedestrian count" or "footfall" for dependent variable.
Section B: Data Collection Methods (Questions 6–10)
Total: 13 marks
6. Distinguish between systematic sampling and stratified sampling. [3]
Answer (award up to 3 marks):
- Systematic sampling (1–2 marks): Involves selecting samples at regular intervals (e.g., every 10th person, every 50 metres along a transect). It is simple to implement and ensures even coverage across the study area, but may miss variations if the interval coincides with a pattern in the data.
- Stratified sampling (1–2 marks): Involves dividing the population into distinct subgroups (strata) based on a relevant characteristic (e.g., land use type, income level) and then sampling proportionally or equally from each stratum. It ensures representation of all subgroups but requires prior knowledge of the population structure.
- Distinction (1 mark): Systematic sampling uses a fixed interval regardless of population characteristics, while stratified sampling deliberately samples from pre-defined subgroups to ensure representativeness.
Marking notes: Award 1 mark for a basic definition of each method. Award the third mark for a clear comparative distinction. Accept examples to illustrate the difference.
7. A student uses a questionnaire to collect data on residents' perceptions of green spaces. Identify two limitations of using questionnaires as a primary data collection method. [2]
Answer (any two, 1 mark each):
- Low response rate, leading to a non-representative sample.
- Respondents may misinterpret questions, leading to inaccurate data.
- Closed questions limit the depth of responses; open questions are difficult to quantify.
- Respondents may give socially desirable answers rather than honest opinions.
- The sample may be biased towards those willing to complete the questionnaire.
Marking notes: Award 1 mark for each valid limitation. Accept any reasonable limitation specific to questionnaire methodology.
8. Explain how a bipolar environmental quality survey is conducted. [3]
Answer (award up to 3 marks):
- A bipolar survey uses a scale with opposite descriptors at each end (e.g., "Very clean" to "Very littered"; "Very quiet" to "Very noisy") (1 mark).
- The researcher assesses the environment at each sample site and assigns a score along the scale for each criterion (e.g., 1–5 or −2 to +2) (1 mark).
- Multiple criteria are assessed (e.g., litter, noise, building condition, greenery) and scores are totalled or averaged to produce an overall environmental quality index for each site, allowing comparison between locations (1 mark).
Marking notes: Award 1 mark for describing the bipolar scale structure. Award 1 mark for explaining the scoring process. Award 1 mark for explaining how scores are aggregated and used for comparison.
9. Describe one advantage and one disadvantage of using secondary data in a geographical investigation. [3]
Answer (award up to 3 marks):
- Advantage (1–2 marks): Secondary data is often readily available and time-efficient to obtain (e.g., census data, government reports, satellite imagery), allowing access to data that would be impossible or impractical to collect firsthand. It may cover larger spatial or temporal scales than primary data collection would allow.
- Disadvantage (1–2 marks): Secondary data may not perfectly match the investigation's specific requirements (e.g., different spatial scale, outdated information, different definitions of variables). The researcher has no control over data quality, collection methods, or potential biases in the original data source.
Marking notes: Award 1 mark for identifying a valid advantage/disadvantage; award 2 marks for a well-developed explanation. Maximum 3 marks total.
10. A fieldwork group is measuring river velocity using a float and stopwatch. Outline the procedure they should follow to ensure reliable results. [2]
Answer (award up to 2 marks):
- Measure a fixed distance along the river (e.g., 10 metres) and mark the start and end points clearly (1 mark).
- Time how long the float takes to travel the measured distance; repeat the measurement at least three times and calculate the average time to improve reliability (1 mark).
- Ensure the float is released upstream of the start point so it reaches natural velocity before timing begins; avoid floats that get caught in eddies or obstacles.
Marking notes: Award 1 mark for describing the fixed-distance measurement. Award 1 mark for mentioning repetition and averaging. Accept reference to using multiple floats or measuring at different points across the channel.
Section C: Data Presentation & Analysis (Questions 11–15)
Total: 13 marks
11. State one appropriate data presentation technique for each of the following data types:
(a) Pedestrian counts at five different locations [1]
Answer: Bar chart / bar graph / pictogram.
(b) Changes in river depth along a 500-metre transect [1]
Answer: Line graph / cross-section diagram / profile graph.
(c) Percentage of respondents agreeing with a statement on a Likert scale [1]
Answer: Pie chart / divided bar chart / percentage bar chart.
Marking notes: Award 1 mark for each appropriate technique. Accept other valid suggestions (e.g., located bar chart for (a), scatter graph if distance is plotted). Do not award marks for inappropriate techniques (e.g., scatter graph for (c)).
12. A student calculates the mean environmental quality score for two neighbourhoods. Explain why the mean alone may be insufficient for comparing the two areas. [3]
Answer (award up to 3 marks):
- The mean does not show the spread or dispersion of scores; two neighbourhoods could have the same mean but very different distributions (e.g., one uniformly moderate, the other with extremes of high and low scores) (1 mark).
- The mean is sensitive to outliers; one or two extreme scores can skew the mean, giving a misleading impression of typical environmental quality (1 mark).
- Additional measures such as the range, interquartile range, or standard deviation would provide a more complete picture of variability within each neighbourhood (1 mark).
Marking notes: Award 1 mark for each well-explained point. Accept reference to median or mode as complementary measures.
13. Describe how Spearman's rank correlation coefficient can be used to analyse fieldwork data. [3]
Answer (award up to 3 marks):
- Spearman's rank is used to test the strength and direction of a relationship between two variables when data are ordinal or can be ranked (1 mark).
- Both sets of data are ranked separately (highest to lowest or vice versa); the difference between ranks for each pair is calculated and squared (1 mark).
- The coefficient (Rs) is calculated using the formula; the result ranges from −1 (perfect negative correlation) to +1 (perfect positive correlation), with 0 indicating no correlation. The result can be tested for statistical significance using a critical values table (1 mark).
Marking notes: Award 1 mark for stating the purpose. Award 1 mark for describing the ranking process. Award 1 mark for explaining the interpretation of the result. Full formula not required.
14. A scatter graph shows a weak positive correlation between two variables. Explain what this means in the context of a geographical investigation. [2]
Answer (award up to 2 marks):
- A weak positive correlation means that as one variable increases, the other variable tends to increase slightly, but the relationship is not strong or consistent (1 mark).
- The data points on the scatter graph will show a general upward trend but with considerable scatter, indicating that other factors are likely influencing the dependent variable and that the relationship is not strongly deterministic (1 mark).
Marking notes: Award 1 mark for explaining the direction (positive). Award 1 mark for explaining the weakness (scatter, other factors). Accept reference to correlation coefficient value (e.g., Rs between 0.1 and 0.3).
15. Identify one way in which GIS could be used to present fieldwork findings. [2]
Answer (award up to 2 marks):
- GIS can be used to create layered maps showing the spatial distribution of fieldwork data (e.g., environmental quality scores displayed as graduated symbols or colour-coded zones at each sample site) (1 mark).
- This allows patterns and spatial relationships to be visualised clearly, such as overlaying environmental quality data with land use maps to show correlations (1 mark).
Marking notes: Award 1 mark for identifying a specific GIS presentation method. Award 1 mark for explaining the benefit or purpose. Accept other valid uses (e.g., buffer analysis, heat maps, spatial queries).
Section D: Evaluation & Conclusions (Questions 16–20)
Total: 12 marks
16. A student concludes that "traffic congestion is the main cause of air pollution in the study area." Suggest two ways in which this conclusion could be evaluated. [2]
Answer (any two, 1 mark each):
- Compare air pollution data with traffic count data to check for correlation.
- Investigate other potential sources of air pollution (e.g., industrial emissions, construction, domestic heating) to assess their relative contribution.
- Collect air pollution data at different times of day or days of the week to see if pollution levels correspond with traffic patterns.
- Review secondary data or literature on air pollution sources in similar urban areas.
- Conduct statistical analysis (e.g., Spearman's rank) to test the strength of the relationship between traffic volume and air pollution levels.
Marking notes: Award 1 mark for each valid, specific evaluation method. Accept any reasonable approach to testing the validity of the conclusion.
17. Explain why it is important to acknowledge limitations when writing a fieldwork conclusion. [3]
Answer (award up to 3 marks):
- Acknowledging limitations demonstrates critical evaluation and academic honesty, showing the researcher understands the boundaries of their findings (1 mark).
- It helps the reader assess the reliability and validity of the conclusions; without acknowledging limitations, conclusions may appear more definitive than the data supports (1 mark).
- Identifying limitations provides a basis for suggesting improvements for future research, contributing to the iterative nature of geographical investigation (1 mark).
Marking notes: Award 1 mark for each well-developed point. Accept references to specific types of limitations (sampling, equipment, time constraints, access issues).
18. A fieldwork investigation on microclimate variation recorded temperature data at six sites. The student notices that one site recorded an unusually high temperature. Suggest two possible reasons for this anomalous result. [2]
Answer (any two, 1 mark each):
- The site may have been influenced by local factors such as proximity to a heat source (e.g., building exhaust, direct sunlight reflection from glass surfaces, tarmac radiating heat).
- Equipment error or malfunction (e.g., thermometer exposed to direct sunlight when it should have been shaded, instrument not calibrated correctly).
- Human error in reading or recording the temperature.
- The measurement may have been taken at a different time of day when temperatures were naturally higher.
- The site may have been sheltered from wind, reducing cooling effects.
Marking notes: Award 1 mark for each plausible reason. Accept any reasonable explanation grounded in fieldwork practice or microclimate theory.
19. "Fieldwork findings from one location can be generalised to other similar locations." Discuss the validity of this statement with reference to geographical investigations. [3]
Answer (award up to 3 marks):
- Arguments for validity (1–2 marks): If the study location is representative of a wider area and the sampling strategy was robust, some generalisation may be possible. Geographical models and theories (e.g., urban land use models) are built on the premise that patterns observed in one place may apply elsewhere under similar conditions.
- Arguments against validity (1–2 marks): Every location has unique characteristics (site-specific factors, historical context, local policies, cultural differences) that limit generalisability. Fieldwork findings are context-dependent; what holds true in one city or river basin may not apply in another due to different physical or human conditions.
- Balanced conclusion (1 mark): Generalisation should be cautious and qualified; findings may indicate trends or possibilities rather than certainties. Researchers should clearly state the scope and limitations of their conclusions.
Marking notes: Award up to 2 marks for presenting one side of the argument with reasoning. Award up to 3 marks for a balanced discussion acknowledging both perspectives. Accept specific examples.
20. Propose one way in which a fieldwork investigation on urban liveability could be extended or improved for future research. [2]
Answer (award up to 2 marks):
- Extension (1–2 marks): The study could be extended temporally by repeating data collection in different seasons to assess seasonal variations in liveability. / The study could be extended spatially by including more neighbourhoods or comparing with another city.
- Improvement (1–2 marks): A wider range of indicators could be used to measure liveability (e.g., including access to services, crime rates, community facilities) to provide a more comprehensive assessment. / Sampling could be stratified by demographic groups to capture diverse perceptions of liveability.
Marking notes: Award 1 mark for a valid suggestion; award 2 marks for a well-developed suggestion with clear rationale. Accept either extension or improvement.
END OF ANSWER KEY