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This final lesson brings together everything you have learned about fieldwork and geographical skills into a comprehensive revision resource. It includes a key terms glossary, comparison tables for quick reference, a revision checklist, guidance on how fieldwork questions appear in the exam, and example answers with examiner commentary.
Use this lesson as your go-to revision tool in the weeks leading up to the exam. Revisit the earlier lessons for detailed explanations, but use this lesson to consolidate your knowledge and practise exam technique.
The following terms appear frequently in fieldwork exam questions. You should be able to define each one and use it correctly in your answers.
| Term | Definition |
|---|---|
| Accuracy | How close a measurement is to the true value |
| Anomaly | A data point that does not fit the general pattern |
| Bias | A systematic error that makes data unrepresentative |
| Bipolar scale | A survey scale with contrasting descriptions at each end (e.g. -2 to +2) |
| Choropleth map | A map using shading to show differences in a variable across areas |
| Clinometer | An instrument used to measure angles of slope |
| Conclusion | A judgement based on evidence from the investigation |
| Correlation | A statistical relationship between two variables |
| Cross-sectional area | The area of a river channel at a given point (width x mean depth) |
| Discharge | Volume of water passing a point per second (m³/s = cross-sectional area x velocity) |
| Environmental quality survey (EQS) | A scored assessment of environmental quality at a location |
| Evaluation | Critical assessment of strengths, weaknesses and reliability |
| Hypothesis | A testable prediction about what you expect to find |
| Interquartile range | The spread of the middle 50% of data (Q3 - Q1) |
| Isoline | A line connecting points of equal value on a map |
| Likert scale | A rating scale measuring agreement (e.g. strongly agree to strongly disagree) |
| Line of best fit | A straight line drawn through scatter points showing the general trend |
| Mean | The arithmetic average (sum of values / number of values) |
| Median | The middle value when data is arranged in order |
| Mode | The most frequently occurring value |
| Null hypothesis | A statement that there is no significant relationship between variables |
| Pilot study | A small-scale trial of methods before the main investigation |
| Powers' scale | A classification for sediment roundness (very angular to well-rounded) |
| Precision | How close repeated measurements are to each other |
| Primary data | Data collected first-hand by the investigator |
| Proportional symbol | A map symbol whose size represents a data value |
| Random sampling | Every item has an equal chance of selection |
| Range | Highest value minus lowest value |
| Reliability | Whether results would be the same if the investigation were repeated |
| Risk assessment | Evaluation of hazards and control measures for fieldwork |
| Secondary data | Data collected by someone else |
| Significance | Whether a statistical result is likely to be real rather than due to chance |
| Spearman's rank (rs) | A test measuring the strength and direction of correlation between ranked variables |
| Stratified sampling | Population divided into sub-groups; samples taken proportionally |
| Systematic sampling | Data collected at regular intervals |
| Triangulation | Using multiple methods to investigate the same question |
| Validity | Whether the investigation actually measures what it claims to measure |
This table compares the key features of common data collection techniques. Use it for quick revision.
| Technique | Type | Equipment | Data Produced | Key Strength | Key Weakness |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| River width measurement | Quantitative | Tape measure, ranging poles | Width in metres | Simple, accurate | Difficult in wide/deep rivers |
| River depth measurement | Quantitative | Metre ruler, tape measure | Depth in metres at intervals | Allows cross-section calculation | Rocky bed makes reading difficult |
| Float method (velocity) | Quantitative | Float, stopwatch, tape | Surface velocity in m/s | Cheap and simple | Only measures surface velocity; needs 0.85 correction |
| Flow meter (velocity) | Quantitative | Digital flow meter | Mean velocity in m/s | Accurate at 0.6 x depth | Expensive; needs calibration |
| Pebble size measurement | Quantitative | Ruler or callipers | Long axis in mm | Simple; allows statistical testing | Selecting pebbles may introduce bias |
| Beach profile | Quantitative | Ranging poles, clinometer, tape | Angle of slope at intervals | Standard method; allows profile drawing | Requires two people; affected by wind |
| Wave count | Quantitative | Stopwatch | Waves per minute | Quick and simple | Subjective; waves overlap |
| Questionnaire | Quant. + Qual. | Printed questionnaire | Responses to questions | Direct opinions from people | Response bias; small sample |
| Environmental quality survey | Quantitative | Scoring sheet | Score per factor per site | Quick; covers many factors | Subjective; inter-observer variation |
| Pedestrian count | Quantitative | Tally counter, stopwatch | Number of people per time period | Objective; easy to compare sites | Only captures quantity at one moment |
| Land use mapping | Qualitative | Base map, colour pencils | Map of building functions | Comprehensive spatial picture | Time-consuming; single snapshot |
| Photography | Qualitative | Camera / phone | Visual evidence | Rich, supporting evidence | Selective; only shows what is captured |
Use this checklist to ensure you have covered all the key topics. Tick each item when you are confident with it.
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