Pupil Vision - GCSE Investigation - Chapter 2 'Methodology'

GCSE Geographical Investigation – Chapter Two – METHODOLOGY - 500 words

Click on the link to see a project written in 2002 'Spheres of influence of two Supermarkets' - pdf document.

Describe briefly what you intend to discuss in this chapter.
Describe the format you intend to follow with your investigation.
Give a reason for your choice of topic.
For each data collection technique - Describe HOW you collected the information.
For each data collection technique - Describe WHY you used that method.
For each data collection technique - Describe WHERE you used that method.
For each data collection technique - Explain how the information helps you to answer the question or investigate the hypothesis.
These last four points can be dealt with by a summary table in landscape format with headings of HOW, WHY, WHERE and USE
Show how you collected your own primary data.
Distinguish secondary data and explain why it was collected and how it will be used.
If you use a questionnaire produce an A3 annotated summary, explaining why each question is asked and how it will be used. Explain if you have designed your own questions as this will be evidence of originality.
Have you carried out a pilot or feasibility study before your fieldwork proper?
Insert a copy of the planning sheet as evidence of your own originality and that your study has been planned.
Discuss briefly when the data was collected and why those times were chosen.
Ensure comprehensive use of techniques by having at least four methods of data collection.
Are these methods appropriate - explain why.
Have you acknowledged the use of other people in collection of data. Why did you use others?
Is your investigation organised? Is there a title page? Contents and Bibliography? Chapter headings? Numbered pages? Figure and map references?
Click here to see an example of a pupil second chapter. You will need Acrobat Reader to access this file.

MARK SCHEME - LEVEL 3 FOR 5/6 MARKS - METHODOLOGY
The candidate IDENTIFIES A QUESTION OR ISSUE, explains why that particular question or issue was chosen. The candidate describes the SEQUENCE OF INVESTIGATION, the METHODS USED in obtaining the information and explains WHY THE METHODS SELECTED ARE RELEVANT to their investigation. Selection, observation, collection and recording uses a COMPREHENSIVE RANGE of appropriate techniques. the work is well ORGANISED, PLANNED and shows evidence of ORIGINALITY AND INITIATIVE by the candidate.

Top tips

Word process your project

Choose a site to collect primary data near to your house

Read a good, past project to get an overview of the task ahead.

Discuss your plans with your teacher. This will save you time.

Use www.pupilvision.com for resources and writing frames for each chapter.

Download the ‘Investigation Planning Sheet’. Complete the boxes and present it to your teacher. Make a fresh copy to put in your final investigation.

Read the 'Project guidelines for pupils and teachers' page.

GEOGRAPHY INVESTIGATION. This counts for 25% of your final GCSE. It should be no more than 2,500 words in length and is completed by the end of September of Year 11. Your first chapter will be completed by April of year 10. Over the coming weeks there will be new pages to guide you through each chapter of your investigation.
Click on the link to see the 'Planning Sheet'.
Click on the link to see the writing frame for 'Chapter One - Introduction.'
Click on the link to see the writing frame for 'Chapter Two - Methodology.'
Click on the link to see the writing frame for 'Chapter Three - Data Interpretation'
Click on the link to see the writing frame for 'Chapter Four - Conclusion and Evaluation'