renewable energyFW2023updated FINAL

Geographical enquiry process

Geographical enquiry process

The process of conducting a geographical investigation, consisting of 6 steps.

Primary sources

Data that is collected by the researcher themselves, such as questionnaires, interviews, and observations.

Secondary sources

Data that is collected by someone else, such as censuses, surveys, and maps.

Aim

The overall goal or objective of the investigation.

Hypothesis

A statement, believed to be true, which is tested during the investigation.

Fieldwork

The practical work conducted in the field to collect data for the investigation.

Data collection methods

The techniques and procedures used to gather data.

Equipment

The tools and instruments used to collect data accurately and reliably.

Processing and presenting data

Organizing and displaying the collected data using graphical and cartographic methods.

Analysing and interpreting data

Examining and making sense of the data to identify patterns, relationships, and anomalies.

Drawing conclusions

Formulating evidence-based conclusions based on the analysis of the data.

Evaluating

Assessing the data collection methods, data collected, and conclusions, and suggesting improvements or extensions to the study.

Health and safety

Identifying and minimizing potential risks involved in fieldwork.

Mitigation strategy

A plan to reduce the effect of identified risks.

Primary measurements

Direct measurements taken by the researcher in the field.

Secondary data

Data that has already been collected by someone else and is used by the researcher.

Accessibility

The ease of accessing the location for data collection.

Geographical factors

Factors related to the geography of the location that are relevant to the aim of the investigation.

Contingency plan

Backup plans in case identified risks materialize.

Tabulate

Organize data in a table format for easier analysis and presentation.

Questionnaire

A set of pre-determined questions used to investigate various issues.

Data collection methods

The techniques and equipment used to collect data during a fieldtrip.

Closed questions

Questions that offer the respondent a fixed range of answers, usually with mutually exclusive options.

Open questions

Questions that allow respondents to present their ideas or perceptions without selecting from predetermined categories.

Likert scales

Scales that allow respondents to rank their attitude or view along a predetermined continuum.

Sampling

The process of selecting a subset of individuals or items from a larger population for study.

Pilot study

A small-scale test of a questionnaire or research method to identify and address any issues or ambiguities.

Bias

Factors that may influence the data collected, such as obtaining a cross-section of the population to avoid over-representation of a distinct group.

Personal questions

Questions of a personal nature, such as income, age, or religion, that should be avoided to maintain privacy and avoid bias.

Relevance

The extent to which questions in a questionnaire capture information relevant to the aim of the study.

Presentation techniques

Different methods used to present data, such as tables, pie charts, and bar charts.

Graphs

Visual representations of data that help analyze and interpret large amounts of values and show correlations.

Conventions

Standard practices or elements in graphing, such as labeling axes, providing units, and using a key if needed.

Correlation

The relationship between two variables, which can be shown in graphs and used to justify hypotheses and conclusions.

Analysing data

The process of describing and interpreting data, including stating the overall pattern, nature of the relationship, figures, anomalies, and referring back to the hypothesis.

Hypothesis

A proposed explanation or prediction that is tested through research and analysis.

Overall pattern

The general trend or direction observed in the data.

Nature of the relationship

The type of connection or association between variables in the data.

Anomalies

Unusual or unexpected data points that deviate from the overall pattern.

Likert Scale

A scale used to measure attitudes or opinions, typically ranging from 1 to 5 or from strongly disagree to strongly agree.

Alternative energy

Energy sources that are not derived from fossil fuels, such as solar, wind, or hydroelectric power.

Climate change

The long-term alteration of temperature and weather patterns due to human activities, primarily the emission of greenhouse gases.

Fossil fuels

Non-renewable energy sources, such as coal, oil, and natural gas, formed from the remains of ancient plants and animals.

Wind farm

A group of wind turbines used to generate electricity.

Reliability

The degree to which the conclusions drawn from the data are accurate and trustworthy.

Data collection methods

The techniques used to gather information, such as questionnaires or surveys.

Limitations

Constraints or weaknesses in the data or research methods that may affect the validity or generalizability of the conclusions.

Data sample

The subset of individuals or observations included in the data analysis.

Health and Safety

The measures taken to ensure the well-being and protection of individuals during the research process.

Larger sample

Collecting data from a larger group of people to obtain a wider range of opinions and perspectives.

Visit more sites

Gathering data from additional locations to gather more comprehensive information about alternative energy opinions.

Information from local companies

Obtaining data from local alternative energy companies about their sales and product demand.

Land survey

Conducting a survey from a viewpoint or using an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) to determine the number of wind turbines, farms, and solar panels in the local area.

Method evaluation

Describing and evaluating the method used to collect data for a chosen variable from the table.

Limitations of data

Describing and explaining the limitations of the data collected for a chosen variable from the table.