Fieldwork Questions (OCR GCSE Geography)

Revision Note

Test Yourself

Author

Bridgette

Expertise

Geography Lead

Aims and Hypothesis

Aims/Hypothesis

Fieldwork is based around an enquiry into a 'real life' issue
- This is linked to the content in the specification and then related to a place: specific context
All fieldwork begins with the aims and hypothesis
The aim explains what the enquiry is attempting to achieve
- An investigation into changes in beach profiles along Mappleton Beach
- An investigation into the impact of building a wind farm in rural Lincolnshire
The hypothesis needs to be clear, directional and measurable; it is a statement which can be tested
- River discharge increases with distance from the source of the River Dove
- Environmental quality increases with distance from the new road in Swanland, East Yorkshire
Aims and hypotheses may be based on what is already known about the topic. For example, Bradshaw's model of rivers

Underpining Geographical Theory

When completing fieldwork there should be a clear link between the investigation and established theories, models or concepts
The fieldwork does not have to be based on the theory or model but the theories and concepts must be identifiable
This should be something that you have already studied
- A concept such as sustainability for example the sustainability of a transport strategy in an urban area
- For a theory or model see Bradshaw's model below
In a river investigation, it would be appropriate to use Bradshaw's model
- The model identifies the changes in a river from upstream to downstream
- It can be used to formulate a hypothesis which is then tested by the fieldwork investigation

Bradshaw's Model

bradshaws-model

Bradshaw's Model

Primary and Secondary Data

Data collected by the student within their fieldwork is primary data.
Examples of primary data can include:
- Questionnaire data
- River data: width, depth etc...
- Video/audio recordings
- Photographs
- Interview information
Data collected by someone else but used by the student in their enquiry is secondary data
Examples of secondary data can include:
- Census results
- Weather data
- Old photographs
- Maps
- Newspaper articles
- Websites

Primary and Secondary Data - Strengths and Weaknesses

Strengths

Limitations

Primary Data

Know that the data is reliable and valid

The data is specific to the enquiry

As much data as needed can be collected

The method of the collection is known

It is up to date

Time-consuming

May need specialist equipment/resources

The sample size needs to be large to be accurate

Secondary Data

Easy to access

Low cost or free

Can be accessed quickly

A large amount of data sources is available

It is not specific to the enquiry

No control over the data quality

Data may be biased

Data may be out of date

Health & Safety

Any fieldwork will involve consideration of health and safety using a risk assessment
Hazards should be identified
- Who is at risk and why?
- What precautions can be taken to reduce the risk?

Risk Assessment

Potential Hazard	Risk Posed	How Managed?
Weather conditions	Heavy rainfall can cause flash flooding Strong sun can lead to sunburn/heatstroke	Check the weather forecast before entering the river Apply sunscreen Wear a hat
Slippery rocks	Risk of slipping on rocks causing injury	Study, appropriate footwear with good grips on the sole
Waterborne diseases	Weil's disease can be contracted through contaminated freshwater	Ensure that hands are washed after being in the water and any open wounds are covered Anti-bacterial hand wash to be used after contact with water
Working in an unfamiliar place	Becoming lost	Students should work in groups and carry maps/mobile phones. Students could also wear high-visibility jackets
Misuse of equipment	Ranging poles and other equipment may cause injury if not used correctly	Ensure that students know how to handle equipment correctly
Traffic	Risks associated with crossing the road and walking on pavements	Students should wear high-visibility jackets and reminded of safe procedures for crossing the road
Contact with strangers	Questionnaire completion may involve contact with strangers, risk of offending or annoying people	Plan questions carefully, if someone takes offence or becomes annoyed withdraw from the situation, work in groups
Cliffs	Risk of rock falls or cliff collapse	Wear a safety helmet when working below a cliff face, do not climb the cliff, do not work at cliff faces in very wet/windy weather
Tides	Becoming trapped by the incoming tide	Check tide tables to ensure that students are not working whilst the tide is coming in
Livestock	Being attacked by aggressive animals	Do not approach animals, and avoid fields with livestock if possible

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