Unit 2682: Geographical Investigation

Unit 2682: Geographical Investigation

30% AS; 15% A2 (75 marks) comprising a 45 minutes exam (60 marks) and a 1,000 word report on a small scale investigation (15 marks)

The purpose of the Gower fieldwork at Oxwich Bay is to understand how a geographical enquiry should be carried out and write an assessed report of not more than 1,000 words.

There are 5 main stages of the geographical investigation:

1. Identification of a question.

2. Development of a strategy to answer the question.

3. Collection of data.

4. Analysis, evaluation and interpretation.

5. Presentation of a summary.

1. Identification of a question

What is the aim or main question of your investigation?

2. Development of a strategy

What information do you require to answer your main question?
Set up a hypothesis.
Relate your idea to geographical theory.
List the field kit you need.
Draw up a data recording sheet.
Carry out a risk assessment.

3. Collection of data

Give details of your sampling methods.
Describe each method with reference to a diagram or photograph.

4. Analysis, evaluation and interpretation.

Show your results in a table.
Use a statistical technique to analyse your results.
Present your results using appropriate graphs and maps.
Describe patterns and anomalies.
Explain your findings with reference to your hypotheses and geographical theory.

5. Presenting a summary (conclusion & evaluation of your work)

Draw your findings together and relate to your main aim or question.
How significant are your conclusions?
Were your results reliable?
What would you do differently next time?

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