Geographical methods
G2 Elective Geography: Tectonics - syllabus K229, 2027
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Plan a fair investigation, collect useful evidence, read maps and data, and reach a conclusion you can justify.
- Planning a geographical inquiry
A useful inquiry states what will be measured, where, when and for whom before data collection begins.
- Sampling methods
The selection method determines whose experiences your sample can represent.
- Writing a questionnaire
Clear, neutral questions and non-overlapping answer options make responses easier to compare.
- Mental maps and interviews
A mental map shows someone's view of a place. An interview helps explain what they drew or left out.
- Mean, median, mode and percentages
Choose a statistic that fits the data. State its unit and total, and check whether unusual values change the picture.
- Drawing bar and line graphs
Use bars for categories, lines for ordered change, and pie sectors for parts of a defined whole.
- Pie charts and percentages
A bigger percentage does not always mean more people. Check the total each percentage describes.
- Scatter graphs and correlation
A scatter graph shows whether two measurements tend to change together. It cannot prove why.
- Map direction, coordinates and scale
Use the map's direction and scale. Measure the actual route when the question asks how far someone travels.
- Thematic maps
A symbol may show a count, percentage, flow or equal value. The legend tells you which.
- Wind roses
A frequency wind rose shows how often wind came from each direction; speed needs a separate key.
- Photographs and geographical sketches
State what you can see. Keep suggested explanations separate, and check the image's place, date and scale.
- Texts, cartoons and viewpoints
Identify the message, show how the text or image conveys it, and check what evidence supports it.
- Conclusions and fieldwork evaluation
A good conclusion answers the question with evidence, explains its limits and identifies an improvement that addresses a real weakness.