IGCSE Geography / Fieldwork - the enquiry process
Analysis, conclusions and evaluation
Edexcel International GCSE Geography (4GE1), chapter 10: Fieldwork - the enquiry process, specification point E6, E7, G4. Free lesson.
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Analysis explains what fieldwork results show. Conclusions test the hypothesis, while evaluation judges how far the evidence can be trusted and how the enquiry could be improved.
Choose an average that suits the results
A measure of central tendency is an average representing a set of results. The mean uses every value, so an unusual result can pull it up. The median is the middle value after sorting, so it resists an anomaly. The range shows spread: a large range warns you not to rely too much on the average.
Analyse results in four moves
Analysis turns results into a geographical explanation. Use the same order each time: describe the pattern, spot an anomaly, explain the geography, then link secondary data. Describe: give the overall pattern and figures from both ends. Pedestrian numbers fell from 190 at 100 m to 40 at 800 m. Anomaly: identify a result that breaks the pattern and give its figure. Site 6 had 150 pedestrians at 600 m. Explain: shops cluster in the centre, while Site 6 is beside the railway station. Link: the council's land use map showed shopping streets ending at 500 m, matching the measured…
Write a conclusion that tests the hypothesis
A conclusion answers the enquiry question by returning to the hypothesis. Choose the verdict that fits the evidence, quote figures and report unexpected results honestly. Suggest a possible reason for them. Supported: the results fit the prediction. Partly supported: the prediction fits in some places but not others. Say where. Not supported: there is no pattern, or the pattern is opposite to the prediction. Noise readings of 68, 71, 66 and 70 dB at 50 m, 100 m, 150 m and 200 m do not show a fall with distance. Side-street traffic could explain this.
Evaluate whether the evidence can be trusted
Evaluation needs specific answers about the enquiry. Avoid general claims such as “human error”. Accuracy: were readings close to true values? A float measures surface speed, not speed across the whole river channel. Reliability: might the same result come up again? Each site counted once on one Saturday gives limited evidence. Trust: is there enough good evidence for the conclusion? Seven of eight sites fit the trend, though the exact figures may not. Improvements: give specific changes, such as three counts at every site and a weekday count as well. Other enquiries:…
Build a balanced eight-mark evaluation
Evaluate the enquiry stage named in the question. For analysis and conclusions, discuss those parts, not equipment. Include strengths and limits, link each limit to an improvement, then make a judgement supported by evidence. A line of best fit showed a clear negative relationship, from 190 people at 100 m to 40 at 800 m. The anomaly, 150 at 600 m, was spotted and explained by the railway station. The mean of all eight counts, about 123, hides the trend and is pulled up by the anomaly. One count at each site on one Saturday may not represent a weekday, and no secondary counts checked the…