Geographical Fieldwork: Design, Data Collection, Processing, and Presentation

Comprehensive vocabulary flashcards covering the key concepts, sampling techniques, data analysis methods, and presentation formats involved in geographical fieldwork.

Fieldwork

A systematic approach to investigate geographical phenomena involving crafting a research question or hypothesis statement, collecting data, analyzing data, presenting findings, and evaluating conclusions.

Research Question

A question outlining a specific scope for investigation that is inquisitive in nature and allows many possible conclusions to be formed.

Hypothesis

A measurable, predictive statement consisting of one or two variables from which a definite conclusion can be reached.

Primary Data

Data collected first-hand through methods such as interviews, sketches, and closed-ended questionnaire surveys.

Secondary Data

Data collected by someone else and gathered through secondary sources such as books, newspaper articles, maps, and websites.

Quantitative Data

Data that can be measured and expressed numerically, typically collected using closed-ended questions or multiple-choice surveys.

Qualitative Data

Subjective data that is not easily measurable, gathered through open-ended questions in semi-structured interviews.

Sampling

The process of selecting a portion of a population being studied when obtaining information from the entire population is impossible or too time-consuming (typically surveying around $30$ people).

Probability Sampling

A sampling technique where individuals are selected at random using a random number generator, removing researcher bias.

Non-Probability Sampling

A sampling technique where individuals are not randomly chosen (e.g., choosing friends or family), which introduces bias, is unrepresentative, and makes population generalizations difficult.

Simple Random Sampling

A probability sampling method where every member of a population is assigned a unique number and selected randomly using a random number generator.

Stratified Random Sampling

A probability sampling technique where a population is divided into sub-categories (strata) based on characteristics like age-group and gender, followed by random selection from each sub-group using a random number generator.

Convenience Sampling

A non-probability sampling method where samples are selected based on ease of access, such as interviewing close friends or family members.

Quota Sampling

A non-probability sampling technique where a population is divided into sub-categories (e.g., age-group and gender) and individuals meeting defined criteria are selected non-randomly until a target quota is filled.

Questionnaire Surveys

A primary data collection technique that investigates people's opinions using a series of questions with predefined responses or rating scales to collect quantitative data.

Predefined Responses

Set answer choices featuring short phrases or single words (e.g., yes/no/maybe, daily/weekly/monthly) designed to make responding, analyzing, and examining trends easier.

Likert Scale

A standardized rating scale used in questionnaires to measure agreement levels, featuring choices such as strongly agree, agree, disagree, and strongly disagree.

Frequency Scale

A rating scale in surveys used to quantify how often an action happens using predefined ranges (e.g., $1$ to $2$ times, $3$ to $4$ times, $4$ to $6$ times, or more than $7$ times).

Ranking Scale

A questionnaire format that asks respondents to compare items by order of preference (ideally fewer than $10$ items to preserve accuracy, such as ranking from $1$ to $5$ with $1$ being the best).

Measures of Frequency

Statistical calculations determining how often something occurs, represented either as total counts using tally marks or as percentages expressed as a fraction out of $100$.

Measures of Central Tendency

Statistical metrics used to summarize a data set by finding its central or middle representative value.

Mean

The average value calculated by dividing the sum of all values in a data set by the total number of values; it incorporates all data points but is vulnerable to distortion by outliers.

Median

The middle value in a data set that has been arranged in ascending order; it provides a measure of central tendency that is less affected by outliers.

Mode

The most frequently occurring value in a data set; it is unaffected by outliers but is not useful for continuous data.

Scatter Plot

A two-variable coordinate graph used to observe relationships, correlations, and patterns between two variables.

Best Fit Line

A straight line drawn across a scatter graph to show the general direction and relationship between two variables.

Correlation

The degree of association between two variables, indicated by a positive gradient (positive correlation), a negative gradient (negative correlation), or no observable gradient (no correlation).

Outlier

A data point that noticeably differs from the majority of the data set or deviates from the general trend; it must be circled and checked for human collection error.

Mental Maps

Hand-drawn maps where individuals depict remembered spaces, labels, and features on paper to reveal their personal sense of place, perceived space, and geographical inaccuracies.

Spatial Information

Two-dimensional information representing real-world geography using points (dots for discrete features), lines (for roads), and regions (polygons for boundaries).

Polygons

Fully enclosed areas or regions on a map that are used to represent geographical boundaries.

Map Legend

A key accompanying a map that lists symbols, dots, lines, and polygons to explain what real-world features are being represented.

Map Orientation

A map component aligning the visual representation to geographical directions, marked by a north arrow pointing north.

Map Scale

A feature indicating the ratio between distances on the map and actual relative size and distance in the real world.

Bar Graph

A chart using rectangular bars to display and compare total values across discrete categories.

Pie Chart

A circular statistical graphic divided into proportional slices to illustrate percentages or fractions of a whole.

Line Graph

A graph that connects data points with continuous lines to present trends and changes in continuous data over time.

Ground Level Images

Photographs captured from street level that present a detailed, close-up perspective of a specific part of an area.

Aerial Images

Photographs taken from an elevated position via aircraft or drones to show the overall spatial distribution of features across an entire area.

Word Cloud

A visual compilation of qualitative text data where words appear in different sizes and weights, with larger and bolder terms representing greater frequency or importance.