The Enquiry Process Map
The shape of a geography fieldwork enquiry: the requirements for your two enquiries, the six strands from question to evaluation, and how a good enquiry begins with a hypothesis and a risk assessment.
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Mapping the enquiry
Fieldwork is tested in Paper 3, and like the issue evaluation it is about a process, not facts to memorise. You must carry out two geographical enquiries using primary data you collect yourself, in contrasting environments, covering both physical and human geography, with at least one showing how the two interact. The work is done outside on at least two occasions. Every enquiry follows the same six strands: you set a question or hypothesis, collect data, present it, analyse it, reach a conclusion, and evaluate the whole thing. In the exam you answer on unfamiliar generic scenarios and on your own enquiries, so you must know your own titles, aims and outcomes precisely. This module maps out that process and looks closely at how a good enquiry begins.
Fieldwork words
Learn these before you map any enquiry, and keep the six strands of the process in mind.
A physical against a human enquiry
Your two enquiries must be in contrasting environments, so it helps to see how they differ.
How to work through an enquiry
Treat the six strands as a route you always follow in the same order. Begin by turning your idea into a clear question or hypothesis and checking the risks before you set foot outside. Collect your own data, then present it, study it, and only then draw a conclusion that answers your original question. Leave judging how well it went to the very end. Keep the strands in order, and remember the examiner may ask about your own enquiries, so know them by heart.
Match the strand to what it does
- setting a question or hypothesis
- collecting the data
- presenting the data
- reaching a conclusion
- decides what the enquiry will find out
- measures and records evidence in the field
- shows the data in graphs and maps
- answers the original question
Which comes first?
A student is keen to start measuring a river straight away. According to the enquiry process, what should come first?
- Setting a clear question or hypothesis and checking the risks.
- Writing the conclusion.
- Drawing the graphs.
- Evaluating the enquiry.
The fieldwork requirement
Select the TWO things AQA requires of your fieldwork enquiries.
- Two enquiries in contrasting environments
- Using primary data collected outside
- Only one enquiry, done indoors
- Using only data copied from books
Total field visits
A student must complete 2 enquiries, and each enquiry needs at least 2 visits outside to collect data. Multiply to find the least number of field visits in total.
Order the six strands
Put the six strands of a geographical enquiry in order, earliest first.
- Set a question or hypothesis
- Collect the data in the field
- Present the data
- Analyse the data
- Reach a conclusion
- Evaluate the enquiry
Complete the facts
A statement you set out to test with your data is a _____. Data you collect yourself in the field is _____ data. Checking the dangers of the fieldwork before you go is a risk _____. The strand that answers your original question is the _____.
Match the term to its meaning
- a hypothesis
- primary data
- secondary data
- a risk assessment
- a statement the enquiry sets out to test
- data you collect yourself
- data that other people collected
- checking dangers before the fieldwork
Spot the true fieldwork facts
Tap the TWO statements that are true about the fieldwork enquiry.
- You must carry out two enquiries in contrasting environments
- You must know your own enquiries well for the exam
- The conclusion is written before any data is collected
- All the data can be gathered without going outside
Plan the enquiry
Read each case and choose the best response, with a reason.
- A student wants both enquiries to be about the same river using the same methods. Why does this not meet the requirement?
- Before going out to a coast to measure waves, what should a student do first for safety?
- In the exam a student is asked about the aim of their own enquiry but cannot remember it. What does this show they must do?
Explain the enquiry process
A student is planning a geography fieldwork enquiry. Explain the requirements they must meet and the process they should follow.
- Explain the requirement for two enquiries in contrasting environments
- Explain why primary data collected outside is needed
- Explain how an enquiry begins with a hypothesis and a risk assessment
- Name the six strands of the enquiry process in order
- Finish with a judgement on why knowing your own enquiries well matters for the exam