The 5 Stages of Geographical Enquiry
Understanding how to plan, conduct, and evaluate fieldwork investigations
Geographical investigation conducted outside the classroom (must be off school grounds), collecting primary data (data you gather yourself) to answer a geographical question or test a hypothesis.
AQA Specification Requirements
Fieldwork enquiries in contrasting environments
One physical + one human geography
At least one must show physical-human interaction
Introduction & Planning
Data Collection
Presentation
Analysis
Conclusion & Evaluation
1Stage 1: Introduction & Planning
A hypothesis is a statement that can be tested through fieldwork. It must be linked to specification content and use theories/concepts from Papers 1 & 2.
Physical Geography Hypotheses
Human Geography Hypotheses
Factors when choosing a question:
Can data be collected safely?
Can you reach the location?
Enough data available?
Can it be completed?
Links to specification?
Enter your hypothesis to check if it meets exam requirements
You must identify the theory or concept your hypothesis relates to - this shows you understand WHY you expect your results.
Physical Geography Theories
- Bradshaw model: River changes downstream
- Longshore drift: Sediment transport along coast
- Ecosystem succession: Vegetation change over time
- Coastal erosion: Hydraulic action, abrasion, attrition
- Weathering: Freeze-thaw, chemical, biological
Human Geography Theories
- Burgess model: Concentric land use zones
- Bid-rent theory: Land value decreases from centre
- Sphere of influence: Area served by service
- Rural-urban fringe: Transition zone, land competition
- Urban deprivation: Cycle of decline
Example theory link:
Hypothesis: "Bedload size decreases with distance downstream in River Dart"
Theory: Bradshaw model predicts bedload size decreases because: (1) Erosion (attrition) rounds and breaks rocks during transport; (2) Smaller particles transported further as larger settle first.
Match the hypothesis to its underlying geographical theory
"River width increases with distance from source"
Which theory does this hypothesis relate to?
Primary Data (you collect)
Data gathered yourself during fieldwork
- Quantitative: River width, pebble size, pedestrian count, traffic flow
- Qualitative: Environmental quality scores, field sketches, photos, interviews
Secondary Data (already exists)
Collected by others, provides context
- Sources: OS maps, GIS, Census data, weather records
- Uses: Context, comparison, background information, site selection
You must identify potential risks AND how to reduce them. Exam questions often ask you to explain risk reduction strategies for your fieldwork.
Select an environment and identify how to reduce each risk
2Stage 2: Data Collection
Why sample? You can't measure the entire area or population - it's too time-consuming. Instead, collect a representative sample.
Random Sampling
Every site has equal chance of selection
Method: Number all sites, use random number generator
✓ Unbiased, representative
✗ May miss important areas, sites may be inaccessible
Systematic Sampling
Select sites at regular intervals
Method: Every 10m, every 5th person, every 10 mins
✓ Quick, even coverage, no bias
✗ May miss patterns if interval unlucky
Stratified Sampling
Divide into groups, sample proportionally
Method: Match sample to population structure
✓ All groups accurately represented
✗ Need to know population structure first
Sample Size Rule of Thumb:
Minimum 20-30 samples for quantitative data; 10-20 questionnaires for surveys
Choose the best sampling method for each fieldwork scenario
You want to investigate how pebble size changes from the sea to the back of the beach along a 100m transect.
Which sampling method is most appropriate?
Work through each stage to plan your fieldwork enquiry
0/5 stages completed
1. Define your hypothesis
Write a clear, specific, testable statement
Checklist:
Tip: Use format: '[Variable A] increases/decreases with [Variable B] at [Location]'
Explain why systematic sampling was used to investigate how pebble size varies along the beach. (3 marks)
Always justify your sampling method - don't just name it, explain WHY it's suitable for YOUR specific investigation
Link risk reduction to the specific fieldwork context - "working in pairs near water" is better than "working in pairs"
Name the theory explicitly - "Bradshaw model predicts..." shows examiner you understand the geographical basis
Use specific examples from YOUR fieldwork - examiners reward context-specific answers, not generic ones
What are the AQA requirements for GCSE Geography fieldwork?