Researchers and geographers usually engage in scientific study of the environment.
This usually involves collecting data in order to achieve specific objects. This activity is called Fieldwork.
They also record, analyze, interpret and present the data.
Methods of Data Collection
Data in the field can be collected in the following ways:
Use of questionnaires.
Interviews.
Sampling.
Observation.
Experimentation.
Use of secondary sources.
Methods of Data Recording
Data recording ensures that the data collected during fieldwork is not lost.
The following are methods of data recording:
Mapping- Drawing a map of the area of research
Filling in the questionnaire- Filling the blank spaces that have been left in a questionnaire
Tabulating- Filling climatic data in already prepared series of columns and rows
Tallying- recording counts to ensure that they are accurate by using vertical strokes
Tape Recording- Using an audio tape to get the exact words spoken by the respondent
Field sketching
Taking photographs- Using a camera to capture what is seen in the field
Note-taking- Using a pen and a book to record what you are seeing and hearing
Labelling samples-
Methods of Data Analysis.
Data collected can be as follows.
County Number of people tested Number of people infected
Data can be analysed by calculating the following from the data after collection:
Mean/ Average
Calculating mean or average involves dividing the sum of all values by the number of values
Therefore, calculating mean of the number of the people who were tested is as follows:
14+56+79+28+52+72+45+54 = 400
8 8
=50
The same formula can be used to calculate the mean of the number of people who were infected.
Median
Calculating median involves arranging all values in a descending or ascending order and then finding the middle value.
Rank the values as shown: 8, 10,23,28,34,35,39,45.
Since the values are even we cannot directly choose the middle number, therefore the middle number falls between two middle values which in this case is 28 and 24.
The median is the average of the two middle values.
Therefore 28+24 =62
2 2
= 31
Mode.
Calculating mode simply involves picking the most frequently repeated value in the data.
For example, using the data in the table (number of infected people) the mode is 23 as it turn out twice in the data recorded than any other number.
Range
Range is obtained by subtracting the lowest value from the highest vale in a set of data.
Calculate the range of the data showing the number of people tested.
Highest value- Lowest value
=79-14
Range=65
Calculate the range of value for the data showing the number of people infected
Highest value-lowest value
= 45-10
Range = 35
Methods of Data Presentation.
After analyzing data from the field, it is important to present it in a way that creates visual impression for easy interpretation and understanding. This is called data presentation.
Data can be presented using the following methods:
Use of graphs such as simple line graphs, simple bar graphs.
Use of charts such as pie charts.
Data presentation in a simple Line graph.
Grade 7 learners in a certain school obtained the following data showing monthly temperatures recorded in the nearby weather station.
Data Presentation in a Simple Bar Graph
Grade 7 learners in a certain school obtained the following data showing monthly temperatures recorded in the nearby weather station.
Challenges and solutions in carrying out Field study.
Language barrier
Inaccessibility due to thick vegetation, steep slopes and muddy areas
Poor roads network
Environmental challenges such as weather elements which include heavy rainfall or high temperatures.
Attack by wild animals
Uncooperative respondents
Accidents in the field.
Solutions to Challenges Faced in Field Study.
Carry out a pre-visit to identify the challenges of the field study earlier before the field study.
Use of language translators in interviews and questionnaires.
Carrying out field study in appropriate climatic periods i.e. during the dry season.
Procedure of carrying out fieldwork in research.
Coming up with the Topic and Area of study. For example A study of Hifadhi Forest reserve in mazingira area.
Formulating of objectives.
Formulating of hypothesis.
Seeking permission from relevant authorities.
Conducting a pre-visit to the area.
Dividing students into groups. Each group is given a task depending on the objectives of the study.
Designing a working schedule or program to be followed in the field.
Choosing on methods of data collection such as observation, questionnaires, interviewing among other
Assembling research equipment such as cameras, route maps, tape recorders, notebooks among others.
Actual field study.
Follow up activities such as writing a report, displaying photographs, samples and graphs
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