FieldworkTopic Summary
Topic Summary: Human Geography Fieldwork
Part of Human Geography Fieldwork — GCSE Geography
This topic summary covers Topic Summary: Human Geography Fieldwork within Human Geography Fieldwork for GCSE Geography. Revise Human Geography Fieldwork in Fieldwork for GCSE Geography with 0 exam-style questions and 20 flashcards. This topic shows up very often in GCSE exams, so students should be able to explain it clearly, not just recognise the term. It is section 14 of 14 in this topic. Use this topic summary to connect the idea to the wider topic before moving on to questions and flashcards.
Topic position
Section 14 of 14
Practice
0 questions
Recall
20 flashcards
Topic Summary: Human Geography Fieldwork
Data Collection Methods
- EQS: Rate 8–12 criteria on a 1–5 scale at each site along a transect. Quasi-quantitative. Photographic benchmarks + multiple observers reduce subjectivity.
- Pedestrian count: Count people past a fixed point for 5 minutes × 3. Calculate mean. Same time of day at all sites. Genuinely quantitative.
- Land use survey: Record building function along transect. Proportional bar charts. Tests shift from commercial to residential.
- Questionnaire: Random sampling (every 5th person). Mix of Likert scales and open questions. Ethical: consent, anonymity, voluntary.
- Traffic count: Count vehicles by type for 5 minutes × 3. Mean. Same time at all sites.
Burgess Concentric Zone Model
- Zone 1: CBD — highest land values, offices, retail, highest pedestrian flow
- Zone 2: Inner city — oldest housing, most deprived, lowest EQS typically
- Zone 3: Inner suburbs — improving housing, moderate EQS
- Zone 4: Outer suburbs — newer housing, gardens, highest EQS
- Zone 5: Rural-urban fringe — edge of city, out-of-town retail/business parks
- Limitation: Based on 1920s Chicago; UK cities show variations due to gentrification, council estates, historic cores
Risk Assessment
- Traffic: Cross at crossings; high-vis vests
- Getting separated: Meeting points; teacher's number; buddy system
- Public confrontation: Work in pairs; open public spaces only
- Heat/sun: Water; sunscreen; shade breaks
- Photography: Public spaces only; no identifiable faces without consent
- Slips/trips: Look up when moving; appropriate footwear
Evaluation Points
- EQS weakness → Use photographic benchmarks + multiple observers + mean
- One time of day → Survey at multiple times; note time on all sheets
- Small questionnaire sample → Increase to 50+; stratify by time of day/day of week
- One transect line → Use multiple parallel transects; compare results
- One-day survey → Repeat in different weather; different days of week
- URBAN mnemonic: Urban land use, Rating (EQS), Bipolar chart, Ask (questionnaire), Number (count)