Primary Data Collection Methods
Physical & Human Geography Fieldwork Techniques
Primary Data
Data you collect yourself during fieldwork (measurements, surveys, observations)
Secondary Data
Data collected by others (census, OS maps, Environment Agency, historical photos)
Quantitative Data
Numerical data that can be measured, counted, graphed (river width = 4.5m)
Qualitative Data
Descriptive data based on opinions, observations, descriptions (area feels unsafe)
Physical Geography Methods
Test whether river characteristics change downstream as Bradshaw predicts.
Width
Tape measure across river at water surface. Measure at widest point, avoid obstacles.
Sample: 6-10 sites along course
Depth
Meter ruler at regular intervals across width (every 10-20cm). Calculate average or draw cross-section.
Take 10+ measurements per site
Velocity (Float Timer)
Drop float (orange, twig) into center, time travel over fixed distance (10m).
Speed = Distance ÷ Time
Only measures surface velocity (bed is slower due to friction)
Gradient
Clinometer measures angle of slope. Bradshaw predicts gradient decreases downstream.
Upper course steep, lower course gentle
Bedload Size & Shape
Size: Measure longest axis with ruler (cm). Classify: Boulders (>256mm), Cobbles (64-256mm), Pebbles (2-64mm), Sand (<2mm)
Shape: Powers Roundness Scale: Angular → Sub-angular → Sub-rounded → Rounded → Well-rounded
Sample: 30-50 pebbles per site. Bradshaw predicts smaller & rounder downstream (attrition)
Cross-sectional Area Calculation:
Width (m) × Average Depth (m) = Area (m²)
Bradshaw predicts area increases downstream (more water from tributaries)
Beach Profile
Transect from sea to back of beach. Measure slope angle every 5-10m using clinometer.
Present as cross-section graph
Longshore Drift
Track float/marked pebbles along beach. Measure distance traveled over time.
Shows sediment transport direction
Wave Frequency
Count waves breaking in 1 minute, repeat 3×, calculate average.
Constructive: 6-8/min | Destructive: 10-14/min
Quadrat Sampling
Place 1m × 1m frame (100 squares). Identify species, estimate % cover.
If species in 30 squares = 30% cover. Sample: 10-15 quadrats per site
Soil Testing
pH: Use pH meter (acidic <7, neutral 7, alkaline >7)
Moisture: Squeeze test or weigh-dry-weigh method
Soil affects which species can grow
Human Geography Methods
Pedestrian Count
Count people passing in fixed time (5-10 min). Multiply for hourly rate.
30 people in 10 min = 30×6 = 180/hour
Sample: 8-12 locations, same time of day
Traffic Count
Tally vehicles in 15 minutes. Categorize: cars, vans, lorries, buses, bikes.
Compare times: rush hour vs mid-afternoon
Safety Critical
Stay on pavement, NEVER stand in road, work in pairs, wear hi-vis vests
Score environmental quality using -3 to +3 scale for each criterion:
Key Limitation: SUBJECTIVITY
Personal opinion affects scores. Different people score same location differently.
Reduce subjectivity: Clear criteria definitions, same person scores all sites, average multiple surveyors
| Factor | Question Type | Example | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Closed | Do you live here? Yes/No | Easy to analyze, quick | Limited info, can't explain why | |
| Open | Why did you visit? | Detailed, understand motivations | Time-consuming, hard to analyze | |
| Likert Scale | 'This area is safe' (1-5) | Quantifiable opinions | May not capture nuance |
Questionnaire Design Tips
- Short: 5-10 questions max
- Clear wording: Avoid jargon, simple language
- No leading questions: "Do you think this dirty area needs cleaning?" = biased
- Mix types: Closed for quantitative, open for qualitative depth
- Start easy: "How often do you visit?" before complex questions
Land Use Survey
Record building use: Residential, Retail, Offices, Industrial, Vacant. Color-code on map.
Building Survey
Record age, height, materials, condition. Test urban structure/gentrification theories.
Field Sketches & Photos
Annotate with labels explaining features. Include title, location, date, direction.
Grade 8/9 Key Point
Mix quantitative (numerical, can be graphed/statistically analyzed, more objective) AND qualitative (descriptive, opinions, subjective but provides context/understanding) data for a comprehensive investigation. This shows sophisticated understanding of methodology strengths and limitations.
Interactive Tools
Enter your hypothesis to get suggested data collection methods
Build your questionnaire and get feedback on design
Rate environmental quality for each location
City Centre Shopping Street
Busy pedestrianized area with shops, some litter near bins, well-maintained buildings, traffic noise from nearby road
Practice calculating river measurements
Upper Course (Site 1)
Steep valley, narrow channel, large angular rocks visible
Classify each data collection method
Pedestrian count at shopping center
Data Type:
Source:
Question 1 of 6
Which method would be most appropriate for measuring longshore drift?
Explain one advantage and one disadvantage of using questionnaires to investigate why tourists visit a national park. (4 marks)