Conducting geographic research (internal)
Internal 5 credits With consultation Aims Primary data Presentation EvaluationThe biggest internal in the subject at 5 credits — SEVEN required components, ending in an evaluation of the research process itself. "With consultation" has a precise meaning: you develop the research aim(s) and methodology, then initiate discussion of them with your teacher.
1 Reading the notation
What "with consultation" and "geographic research" mean, precisely.📖 Terms the schedule grades you on
3 terms- With consultation
- Students develop their own aim(s) and methodology, then initiate discussion of them with their teacher.
- Geographic research
- Fieldwork with a spatial component, on a natural or cultural environment and/or people's interaction with it.
- Primary vs secondary data
- Both may be used, but the main focus must be on PRIMARY data collected from the field.
2 The seven components
From identifying the aim through to evaluating the process itself.What each stage must show
- A question with a genuine spatial dimension, and why it is worth asking.
- Three or four aims, each mapped to a method.
- A justified method, including the sampling approach and why it suits the aim.
- Real data, collected and recorded honestly, including inconvenient results.
- Presentation with title, key, units, source and north arrow where relevant.
- A conclusion that answers the QUESTION, with limitations named.
- An EVALUATION of the process and its effect on validity — a full, separate component.
3 Primary data collection
The standard's own closed list of methods.The seven named methods
- Observing.
- Measuring.
- Précis sketching.
- Photographing.
- Surveying.
- Using questionnaires.
- Interviewing.
4 Presentation and analysis
Maps, statistical and visual data — each with the procedural essentials. ✕A finding with no data value behind it
Every claim in the analysis should trace to a specific figure, coordinate or feature on a map — "visitor numbers were higher near the entrance" needs the actual count, not just the observation.5 Evaluating the research process
A full, separately assessed component — not a closing paragraph.| Grade | What the evaluation must do |
|---|---|
| Achieved | State how the process affects the validity of the findings |
| Merit | Evaluate this IN DETAIL, covering findings and/or conclusions |
| Excellence | CRITICALLY evaluate, discussing an alternative method and its implications |
Practice
Recall it first, then use it — testing yourself builds the memory, where rereading the notes above only feels easier.
Recall and application shuffled together — you have to work out what each item wants before you can answer it, which is the part the exam actually tests. Both kinds feed the same spacing schedule, so anything you miss comes back sooner.
Say the answer out loud before flipping — that attempt is where the learning happens, even when you get it wrong.
Exam-style only. Instant feedback, shuffled each attempt, best score saved on this device.