A Level H2 Geography Fieldwork Quiz

Answer Key - A-Level Geography H2 Quiz: Fieldwork

Section A: Research Design and Methodology

1. Definition: A clear, focused, and answerable question that defines the scope and objective of the geographical investigation. [2]
2. Difference: A research question is an open-ended inquiry (e.g., "How does X vary with Y?"), whereas a hypothesis is a predictive, testable statement (e.g., "Wind speed decreases as distance from the coast increases"). [3]
3. Sampling Method: Systematic sampling. Justification: Allows for the capture of spatial variation across the park by taking measurements at regular intervals (e.g., every 20m), ensuring the entire area is covered. [4]
4. Representativeness: (1) Increasing sample size to reduce the impact of anomalies. (2) Using systematic or stratified sampling to ensure all zones/groups are included. [4]
5. Stratified vs Random: Stratified sampling ensures that different socioeconomic groups (strata) are represented proportionally (e.g., high-income vs low-income blocks), whereas random sampling might accidentally omit a small but significant group. [5]
6. Sampling Bias: (1) Time-of-day bias (sampling only morning tourists). (2) Location bias (sampling only at the entrance, missing those who explore deeper). [4]
7. Primary vs Secondary: Primary is data collected first-hand by the researcher (e.g., beach profiling). Secondary is data collected by others (e.g., historical erosion maps from the National Environment Agency). [4]

Section B: Data Collection and Technical Skills

8. Multiple Readings: To account for turbulence and fluctuations in flow speed, allowing the researcher to calculate a mean and increase reliability. [3]
9. Pilot Study: To test the feasibility of the methodology, identify potential hazards, refine questionnaire wording, and ensure equipment is functioning correctly before the actual study. [4]
10. Bipolar Questionnaire: It provides a fixed scale (e.g., -3 to +3) for specific criteria, forcing a quantitative choice and reducing the influence of the interviewer's interpretation of open-ended responses. [5]
11. Clinometer Procedure: Sight the top of the slope through the viewfinder while holding the device level; read the angle of inclination from the scale; record the angle relative to the horizontal. [4]
12. Transect: It allows the researcher to observe a gradual change in variables (e.g., salt tolerance of plants) along a linear path, directly linking the biological change to the distance from the sea. [5]
13. Limitations: (1) Response bias (people give socially acceptable answers). (2) Low response rates or sampling bias (only certain types of people agree to be interviewed). [4]
14. GPS vs Sketching: GPS provides precise coordinates (latitude/longitude) and accurate distances, removing the human error and subjectivity associated with hand-drawn sketches. [4]

Section C: Analysis, Presentation, and Evaluation

15. Scatter Graph: It is designed to show the correlation/relationship between two continuous variables, allowing for the identification of trends (positive/negative) and outliers, which a bar chart cannot do. [4]
16. Critical Value: The threshold value from a statistical table. If the calculated Spearman's Rank coefficient exceeds the critical value for a given sample size and significance level (e.g., 0.05), the null hypothesis is rejected, and the relationship is deemed statistically significant. [6]
17. Chloropleth Map: Dividing the map into predefined areas (planning areas) and shading them in different intensities of a single color to represent different ranges of population density. [4]
18. Case Study Evaluation: Effectiveness: Adds qualitative depth, provides "human" context, and explains the 'why' behind quantitative trends. Limitation: Not generalizable to the whole study area; can be anecdotal. [6]
19. Triangulation: By comparing results from different methods (e.g., questionnaires, land-use mapping, and secondary data), the researcher can cross-verify findings. If all methods point to the same conclusion, the validity and confidence in the result increase. [6]
20. Risk Assessment: Essential for ensuring student/researcher safety and legal compliance.
    • Example 1: Hazard: Slippery river banks $\rightarrow$ Mitigation: Wear non-slip footwear/boots.
    • Example 2: Hazard: Flash floods/Rising water levels $\rightarrow$ Mitigation: Monitor weather forecasts and establish a designated evacuation point. [8]