FIELDWORK KEY Defintions

Sampling

A method used to choose locations or people to collect data from

Reliability

How dependable and consistent the results are if the investigation was repeated

Validity

Whether the method actually measures what it is supposed to measure

Accuracy

How close data is to the true value

Bias

When results are unfairly influenced by personal opinions or poor methods

Primary Data

Data collected first-hand by the investigator

Secondary Data

Data collected by someone else such as Google Street View or newspapers

Quantitative Data

Data that can be measured numerically

Qualitative Data

Descriptive data based on opinions or observations

Environmental Quality Survey (EQS)

A method used to assess the quality of an environment using scores

Systematic Sampling

Sampling carried out at regular intervals or patterns

Random Sampling

Sampling where every person or location has an equal chance of being selected

Stratified Sampling

Sampling where groups are divided into categories and sampled proportionally

Pragmatic Sampling

Sampling based on convenience and practicality

Anomaly

A result that does not fit the overall pattern

Mean Average

The total of values divided by the number of values

Range

The difference between the highest and lowest value

Reliability Improvement

Repeating measurements and averaging results to improve consistency

Land-use Survey

A method used to record how land or buildings are used

High-order Services

Expensive services used less frequently such as lawyers or jewellery shops

Low-order Services

Cheap everyday services used frequently such as bakeries or convenience stores

Questionnaire

A set of questions used to collect opinions or information from people

Interview

A verbal discussion used to collect detailed qualitative data

Open Question

A question allowing detailed opinions or explanations

Closed Question

A question with limited answers such as yes/no or scales

Annotated Photograph

A photograph with labels and notes explaining key features

Radial Kite Graph

A graph used to compare environmental quality scores visually

Bar Graph

A graph using bars to compare quantities or results

Word Cloud

A visual display showing commonly repeated words larger than others

Data Presentation

Methods used to display results clearly such as graphs or maps

Conclusion

A judgement based on the evidence collected

Hypothesis

A prediction that can be tested true or false

Correlation

A relationship between two variables

Pattern

A repeated trend shown in data

Survey Site

A specific location where data is collected

Pedestrianisation

Reducing vehicle access to make areas safer for pedestrians

Traffic Calming

Measures used to slow down traffic for safety

Redevelopment

Improving an area through rebuilding or renovation

Land-use Change

A change in how buildings or land are used over time

Human Error

Mistakes made while collecting or recording data

Outlier

An extreme value different from most other results

Pilot Study

A small test investigation carried out before the main fieldwork

GIS

Geographical Information Systems used to analyse and map data

Transect

A line across an area where observations are recorded systematically

Sphere of Influence

The area served by a shop or service

Sustainable Development

Development meeting present needs without harming future generations

Environmental Quality

How pleasant, safe and attractive an environment is

Representative Sample

A sample accurately reflecting the larger population

Subjective Data

Data based on personal opinion or judgement

Objective Data

Data based on measurable facts rather than opinions

Sampling Frame

A list or map showing all possible sampling points

Risk Assessment

A process identifying dangers and reducing risks during fieldwork

Evaluation

Assessing the strengths