A Level H2 Geography Fieldwork Quiz

A-Level Geography H2 Quiz - Fieldwork (Answer Key)

1.
Answer: There is no significant correlation/difference between [variable A] and [variable B].
Example: "There is no significant difference in infiltration rates between the north-facing and south-facing slopes."
Marking: [1] for a clear null hypothesis statement (no relationship/difference).

2.
Answer:

• Systematic sampling ensures even coverage of the entire longitudinal profile (source to mouth). [1]
• Random sampling might miss key transitional zones or cluster sites in one area, failing to capture the continuous change downstream. [1]
  Marking: [1] for even coverage/gradient capture, [1] for critique of random sampling in this context.

3.
Answer: Any two of the following:

• Time of day (peak vs. off-peak).
• Day of the week (weekday vs. weekend).
• Weather conditions (rain affects pedestrian flow).
• Duration of count (e.g., always 5 minutes).
  Marking: [1] per valid variable, max [2].

4.
Answer: Operationalisation is the process of defining how a abstract concept or variable will be measured or observed in the field.
Example: Defining "environmental quality" by specific indicators like litter count or noise level.
Marking: [1] for clear definition linking concept to measurement.

5.
Answer: Any one of:

• A map showing road hierarchy/traffic volume data.
• Census data showing population density.
• Land use maps.
  Marking: [1] for relevant secondary source.

6.
Answer:

• Place the flowmeter (impeller) in the water at a consistent depth (e.g., 60% of total depth or just below surface for shallow streams). [1]
• Ensure the impeller faces directly into the current (upstream). [1]
• Record the velocity reading after it stabilizes (or count rotations for a set time, e.g., 30 seconds, and calculate). [1]
  Marking: [1] per correct procedural step.

7.
Answer:

• Bi-polar evaluation allows for the assessment of both positive and negative aspects of the environment simultaneously (e.g., +3 for clean, -3 for dirty). [1]
• It provides a more nuanced view of environmental quality than a simple Likert scale which might only measure intensity of one attribute. [1]
  Marking: [1] for identifying dual nature, [1] for comparison/nuance.

8.
Answer:

• Limitation: Measuring only the longest axis (length) ignores the shape (sphericity/roundness) and volume of the pebble. [1]
• Effect: This may lead to inaccurate comparisons of sediment transport energy, as a flat long pebble behaves differently than a spherical one of the same length. [1]
  Marking: [1] for limitation, [1] for impact on data/accuracy.

9.
Answer:

• To identify and remove anomalies/outliers caused by random errors. [1]
• To calculate a mean/average, which increases the reliability and representativeness of the data for that site. [1]
  Marking: [1] for anomaly detection, [1] for reliability/mean calculation.

10.
Answer:

• Instrument: Soil auger or metal probe/ruler. [1]
• Precaution: Ensure the probe is inserted vertically/perpendicular to the slope to avoid measuring a diagonal distance (hypotenuse) rather than true vertical depth. [1]
  Marking: [1] for instrument, [1] for precaution.

11.
Answer: Spearman’s Rank Correlation Coefficient.
Marking: [1] for correct test name. (Note: Data is ordinal/ranked).

12.
Answer:

• Scattergraphs show the relationship/correlation between two continuous variables. [1]
• They allow for the identification of trends (positive/negative) and anomalies/outliers visually. [1]
  Marking: [1] for relationship/correlation, [1] for trend/anomaly identification.

13.
Answer:

• Indicates a strong positive correlation. [1]
• As one variable increases, the other variable also increases consistently. [1]
  Marking: [1] for strength/direction, [1] for interpretation of relationship.

14.
Answer:

• Choropleth maps show spatial distribution and patterns across a geographic area. [1]
• Pie charts only show proportions at a single point/location and cannot display spatial continuity or regional trends. [1]
  Marking: [1] for spatial advantage, [1] for limitation of pie chart in this context.

15.
Answer:

• The outlier will skew the mean, making it unrepresentative of the typical infiltration rate. [1]
• Use the median, as it is not affected by extreme values. [1]
  Marking: [1] for effect on mean, [1] for alternative measure.

16.
Answer:

• Reliability: The consistency of the results (can the experiment be repeated with similar results?). [1]
• Validity: The accuracy/truthfulness of the data (does it actually measure what it claims to measure?). [1]
  Marking: [1] for each correct definition.

17.
Answer:

• The anomaly suggests that other factors (e.g., housing quality, school catchment, green space) influence price more than distance alone. [1]
• This weakens the validity of a simple linear conclusion, indicating the model is too simplistic or the sample size/location selection was biased. [1]
  Marking: [1] for identifying confounding factors, [1] for impact on conclusion validity.

18.
Answer: Any one of:

• Informed consent (participants must know how data is used).
• Anonymity/Confidentiality (protecting identities).
• Right to withdraw.
• Safety of both student and participant.
  Marking: [1] for valid ethical consideration.

19.
Answer:

• Test strips are less accurate/precise than laboratory analysis; they provide a range or approximate value rather than an exact concentration. [1]
• However, they allow for immediate results in the field, whereas lab analysis has a time lag and potential for sample degradation during transport. [1]
  Marking: [1] for accuracy critique, [1] for contextual evaluation (speed/convenience).

20.
Answer:

• Agreement: Primary data is specific to the research question, current, and collected under controlled conditions by the student. [1]
• Disagreement: Secondary data (e.g., census, historical maps) allows for larger spatial/temporal scales that are impossible for a student to collect personally; it is also cost-effective. [1]
• Conclusion: Primary data is superior for specific, small-scale hypotheses, but a robust investigation often requires secondary data for context and broader patterns. Integration is key. [1]
  Marking: [1] for argument for primary, [1] for argument for secondary, [1] for balanced conclusion/synthesis.