7.2. Planning the Investigation

• A good research question should be focused and specific
• A good hypothesis proposes a relationship between variables
• What should a geographical topic be like for an independent investigation?

  Manageable in scope
• Match the characteristic of a good hypothesis with its description:

  Specific ↔️ Clearly defines variables

  Testable ↔️ Can be investigated through data

  Falsifiable ↔️ Allows for possibility of disproof
• When choosing a data collection method, consider whether it can effectively answer the research question
• What type of data do surveys typically collect?

  Quantitative or qualitative
• What is a key factor to consider when choosing a data collection method?

  Alignment with research question
• What type of data is collected through systematic observation of people, activities, or environments?

  Qualitative
• Steps in designing a data collection plan for a geographical investigation

  1️⃣ Identify research question

  2️⃣ Select data collection methods

  3️⃣ Consider time and resources

  4️⃣ Ensure reliability and validity
• A good geographical research question should be focused, answerable, original, and significant
• A good hypothesis is testable, falsifiable, and specific
• Key methods in a data collection plan include surveys, interviews, secondary data analysis, field measurements, and observations
• Match the data collection method with its type:

  Observations ↔️ Qualitative

  Secondary Data Analysis ↔️ Quantitative and Qualitative

  Field Measurements ↔️ Quantitative
• What quality should a geographical topic have for an independent investigation?

  Within a field of interest
• Why should a good research question address an important geographical issue?

  To add new knowledge
• What is an example of a good hypothesis?

  Temperature decreases with distance from the equator
• A good research question adds new knowledge to the field
• What are common methods for data collection in geographical investigations?

  Surveys, interviews, observations
• Steps in designing a data collection plan

  1️⃣ Choose Data Collection Methods

  2️⃣ Define Sample Size or Scope

  3️⃣ Create Data Collection Instruments

  4️⃣ Pilot Test the Plan

  5️⃣ Refine the Plan as Needed
• Secondary data analysis involves collecting new data in the field.

  False
• Interviews are used to collect in-depth qualitative data through one-on-one or group discussions.


  True
• When choosing a data collection method, it is essential to align it with the research question.


  True
• Reliability and validity are crucial considerations when choosing a data collection method.


  True
• What is a hypothesis in geographical research?

  Testable statement between variables
• Steps in choosing a methodology for data collection

  1️⃣ Identify research question

  2️⃣ Consider data collection methods

  3️⃣ Evaluate time and resources

  4️⃣ Ensure reliability and validity
• Qualitative research methods provide in-depth insights
• Secondary data analysis is cost-effective but may use biased or outdated data.


  True
• What should a realistic timeline for a geographical investigation include?

  Contingency time
• Good practice in informed consent involves explaining the study's risks
• To test the hypothesis that urban sprawl affects air quality, a t-test
• In the methodology section, researchers describe the data collection methods
• The discussion section interprets results in relation to the hypothesis.


  True
• The key sections to include in both a geographical presentation and final report are introduction, methodology, results, discussion, and conclusion
• The conclusion of a geographical investigation should summarize the main points and reflect on limitations.

  True
• A poor research question cannot be tested with available methods.


  True
• A good hypothesis should be specific, testable, and falsifiable
• Match the data collection method with its description:

  Surveys ↔️ Collect data using questionnaires

  Interviews ↔️ Collect qualitative data through discussions

  Observations ↔️ Record behaviors or conditions

  Secondary Data Analysis ↔️ Analyze existing datasets

  Field Measurements ↔️ Collect quantitative data in the field
• Surveys are efficient and can reach a large group, but they may lack depth
• Order the considerations when choosing a data collection method:

  1️⃣ Alignment with Research Question

  2️⃣ Data Needed

  3️⃣ Time and Resources

  4️⃣ Reliability and Validity
• When choosing a data collection method, it's essential to gather the necessary quantitative or qualitative data to test your hypothesis