Geographical Investigation

1. Crafting hypothesis/guiding questions

Hypothesis

Statement

Independent, dependent variables

Testable

Guiding Questions

Question form

How/why

2. Data collection

Methods to collect data

Considerations to be made

Accuracy; minimizing errors and bias; knowing the purpose of using such methods

Weather and climate

Temperature

Sixth's thermometer

Stevenson screen (only if applicable)

Rainfall

Rain gauge

Air pressure

Barometer

Wind speed

Anemometer

Wind direction

Wind vane

Relative Humidity

Sling psychrometer

Tourism

Tourist/pedestrian/traffic count

Land use survey

Survey questionnaires/interviews

Bipolar survey

Sample size

At least 100 respondents

Sampling methods

Purpose, advantages, disadvantages

Random

Systematic

Stratified

Convenience

Recording sheet

Date

Time

Weather conditions

Site

Table

Headings

3. Data Representation

Types of graphs

Purpose

Plot/draw

Describe/outline steps

Type

Line graph (simple/comparative)

Trends over time; comparison

Bar graph (simple/comparative)

Categorical data; comparison

Pie chart

Proportion

Scatter graph

Relationship

Wind rose

wind speed and direction

X-axis, y-axis

Legend

Points

4. Data Analysis/ 5. Conclusion

Use of data given

Need to process data i.e. convert to percentage/find difference etc.

Refer back to hypothesis/guiding question to help craft your point

Use PEEL to frame answer

6. Evaluation

Reliability

Scope

Duration

Frequency

Extent of investigation (area)

Accuracy

Usage of instruments/ data collection methods

Validity

Judgment based on various types of evidence

Need to support with data

Validity of hypothesis