The Coastal Fieldwork Task

Investigating the coast

Geographers do not just read about the coast, they go out and investigate it. You might ask whether the groynes at a beach are working, or how a sea wall has affected the local community. This module follows the six-stage enquiry process and the methods used to answer a real coastal management question.

The language of fieldwork

Four ideas shape every enquiry:

The six stages of an enquiry

Put the six stages of a geographical enquiry into the right order.

• Formulate the enquiry question and plan the fieldwork
• Collect data using a range of methods
• Process and present the data as maps, graphs and diagrams
• Analyse and explain the data using theory and case studies
• Draw evidenced conclusions that answer the question
• Reflect critically on the methods and conclusions

Two kinds of data

A strong coastal enquiry uses BOTH kinds of data. The exam expects at least one of each.

Match each method to what it does

Spot the quantitative method

Which of these is a QUANTITATIVE fieldwork method?

• Measuring the beach gradient with a clinometer and tape
• Asking residents how they feel about the sea wall
• Sketching the view along the beach
• Writing down opinions from an environmental survey

Which are secondary sources?

Select the TWO SECONDARY sources a coastal enquiry could use.

• A geology map from the Geology of Britain viewer
• The council's shoreline management plan
• Beach gradient readings you measured yourself
• A questionnaire you handed out on the day

Primary, secondary and the geology map

Fieldwork combines primary data that you collect with secondary sources collected by others. Edexcel requires a geology map, such as the Geology of Britain viewer, plus one other source like an OS map, tide tables, or a council shoreline management plan. Grade-9 tip: the exam asks about your own investigation, so learn your specific enquiry question, your named methods, and your named secondary sources precisely. Vague answers lose marks.

The coastal enquiry, in order

A coastal enquiry begins with an enquiry _____, then collects data. Numerical readings like beach gradient are _____ data, while opinions from a survey are _____ data. Information collected by others, such as a _____ map, is a secondary source. Finally the geographer draws evidenced _____ that answer the question.

Plan the investigation

You are planning a coastal enquiry into whether groynes reduce beach sediment loss. Make three good choices.

• You want to measure whether sediment builds up on one side of a groyne. Which method fits best?
• You also want to judge how successful local people think the management is. Which method fits?
• Which secondary source does Edexcel require you to include?

Why use both kinds of data?

Why should a coastal enquiry use BOTH quantitative and qualitative methods?

• Numbers show what changed, while opinions show how people are affected
• It is a rule with no real purpose
• Qualitative data is always more accurate than numbers
• Using two methods lets you skip drawing conclusions

Spot good enquiry practice

Tap the TWO statements that show good enquiry practice.

• A good enquiry question is specific and can be answered with the data you collect.
• Reflecting on the limitations of your methods weakens your enquiry.
• Using both primary data and secondary sources makes conclusions more reliable.
• The best enquiry question is as vague as possible.
• You should ignore any data that does not fit your prediction.

Justify your methods

For a coastal fieldwork enquiry into the impact of groynes on a beach, explain the methods you would use and how you would judge whether your conclusions are reliable.

• State a specific enquiry question for the investigation
• Describe one quantitative and one qualitative method you would use
• Name a secondary source, including the required geology map
• Explain how you would reflect on the reliability and limitations of your data