Secondary 4 Geography Fieldwork Quiz

Answer Key - Secondary 4 Geography Quiz: Fieldwork

1. Definition of Hypothesis (2m)

• A testable statement or prediction about the relationship between two or more variables (1).
• It serves as a basis for the investigation to be proven or disproven (1).

2. Research Question (2m)

• Must be specific and measurable.
• Example: "To what extent does the volume of tourist litter increase as one moves closer to the beach entrance at East Coast Park?" (2).

3. Primary vs. Secondary Data (4m)

• Primary: Data collected first-hand by the researcher (1). Example: Questionnaires, field measurements (1).
• Secondary: Data collected by others/existing sources (1). Example: Census data, textbooks, online reports (1).

4. Random Sampling (3m)

• Process: Every member of the population has an equal chance of being selected (e.g., using a random number generator) (2).
• Advantage: Reduces researcher bias/ensures objectivity (1).

5. Stratified vs. Quota Sampling (4m)

• Stratified: Population divided into subgroups (strata), and a proportional number is randomly selected from each (2).
• Quota: Population divided into subgroups, but the researcher selects people until a fixed number (quota) is met (non-random) (1).
• Scenario: When the researcher wants to ensure an exact proportional representation of different age groups in a neighborhood (1).

6. Convenience Sampling Bias (3m)

• Convenience sampling involves choosing the easiest available subjects (1).
• Bias: The sample may not be representative of the whole population (e.g., only interviewing people at a cafe at 10 AM misses working adults) (2).

7. Systematic Sampling for Beach Profiles (4m)

• Process: Selecting samples at regular intervals (e.g., every 10 meters from the shoreline) (2).
• Justification: Ensures an even spread of data across the entire gradient of the beach (1). It allows for the identification of clear patterns of change in slope or sediment size (1).

8. Questionnaire Advantages (2m)

• Allows for the collection of a large amount of data in a short time (1).
• Can capture subjective opinions/perceptions that cannot be measured physically (1).

9. Mental Maps (4m)

• Definition: A person's internal representation of a place based on their perceptions and experiences (2).
• Use: By asking residents to draw their neighborhood, researchers can identify "significant" areas (nodes) or "avoided" areas, revealing the emotional connection/sense of place (2).

10. Closed vs. Open-ended Questions (4m)

• Closed-ended: Provide quantitative data, easy to analyze/graph (2).
• Open-ended: Provide qualitative depth, allow respondents to explain "why" or "how" (2).

11. Quadrat and Quantitative Data (3m)

• A quadrat is a square frame of a known area (1).
• It allows the researcher to count the number of species or estimate the percentage cover of vegetation (1).
• This results in numerical data that can be averaged or compared (1).

12. Land-use Map Construction (3m)

• Fieldwork involves walking through an area (transect) (1).
• Observing the primary function of buildings/spaces (e.g., residential, commercial) (1).
• Coloring or symbolizing these functions on a base map to show spatial patterns (1).

13. Field Observation Errors (2m)

• Subjective bias (researcher sees what they expect to see) (1).
• Environmental interference (e.g., weather affecting visibility or accessibility) (1).

14. Pilot Study (4m)

• A small-scale trial run of the investigation (1).
• Purpose 1: To test the effectiveness of the questionnaire/tools and refine wording to avoid confusion (2).
• Purpose 2: To identify potential logistical problems (e.g., timing, site access) before the main study (1).

15. Graph Selection (3m)

• Type: Bar Chart (1).
• Justification: It is the best way to compare discrete categories (the five different sites) (2).

16. Scatter Graphs and Correlation (4m)

• Plotting two variables on the X and Y axes (1).
• Positive correlation: Points trend upwards (as X increases, Y increases) (1).
• Negative correlation: Points trend downwards (as X increases, Y decreases) (1).
• No correlation: Points are randomly scattered (1).

17. Mean vs. Median (3m)

• Mean: The average calculated by summing all values and dividing by the count (1).
• Median: The middle value when data is arranged in order (1).
• Difference: The median is less affected by extreme outliers than the mean (1).

18. Legend and Scale (4m)

• Legend: Explains what symbols or colors represent, making the map readable to others (2).
• Scale: Allows the user to calculate actual distances on the ground from the map (2).

19. Hypothesis and Data (4m)

• No, the student should not change the hypothesis (1).
• Reasoning: The purpose of an investigation is to test the hypothesis, not to prove it right (2).
• A "disproven" hypothesis is still a valid scientific result and leads to new questions/theories (1).

20. Photographs vs. Statistical Tables (5m)

• Photographs: Provide visual evidence, capture "atmosphere" and qualitative detail, but are subjective and hard to quantify (2).
• Tables: Provide precise, objective, and large-scale quantitative data, but lack visual context and "human" detail (2).
• Evaluation: Both are complementary; photos provide the "what/how" while tables provide the "how much" (1).