4.1.2 Selecting a Research Topic

• The Planning and Preparation element of the assessment requirements is worth 15 marks.
• Why is it important to align geographical interests with concepts and theories?

  Contributes to broader understanding
• Climate modeling is a skill relevant to studying Climate Change.
• Order the steps involved in conducting preliminary research for topic selection.

  1️⃣ Explore potential topics

  2️⃣ Gather background information

  3️⃣ Evaluate the feasibility

  4️⃣ Refine the focus
• What is the primary purpose of conducting preliminary research for an Independent Investigation?

  Selecting a suitable topic
• What does the feasibility assessment of a research topic evaluate?

  Data and resource availability
• Match the criteria for a good research question with its description:

  Specific ↔️ Clearly defined and focused

  Measurable ↔️ Assessable using data or observations

  Achievable ↔️ Feasible within timeframe and resources

  Relevant ↔️ Important to current geographical understanding

  Time-bound ↔️ Set within a specific period
• Match the elements of the assessment requirements with their descriptions:

  Planning and Preparation ↔️ Developing research question and methodologies

  Data Collection and Presentation ↔️ Organizing primary and secondary data

  Analysis and Interpretation ↔️ Drawing conclusions from data

  Evaluation and Conclusion ↔️ Critically assessing findings

  Presentation ↔️ Quality of writing and organization
• The 'Evaluation and Conclusion' element focuses on critically assessing methodology and findings.

  True
• Why is aligning geographical interests with concepts and theories important for research?

  Ensuring broader understanding
• Gathering background information helps identify gaps in the current understanding that the investigation could address
• Brainstorming ideas for potential research topics should be based on previous studies and personal interests
• Steps involved in refining a research topic

  1️⃣ Brainstorm potential topics

  2️⃣ Gather background information

  3️⃣ Evaluate feasibility

  4️⃣ Develop a focused research question
• Order the key elements of the assessment requirements by their marks allocation from highest to lowest.

  1️⃣ Analysis and Interpretation

  2️⃣ Data Collection and Presentation

  3️⃣ Evaluation and Conclusion

  4️⃣ Planning and Preparation

  5️⃣ Presentation
• Match the area of interest with a relevant concept or theory:

  Urban Planning ↔️ Urban sprawl

  Environmental Management ↔️ Ecosystem balance

  Climate Change ↔️ Greenhouse effect

  Migration Patterns ↔️ Push and pull factors
• What is the first step in identifying geographical interests and skills for research topic selection?

  Consider intriguing areas
• Evaluating the feasibility of a research topic includes assessing the availability of data and resources.


  True
• Brainstorming ideas is part of exploring potential research topics
• A good research question should be SMART, which stands for Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound
• What is an example of a poor research question that lacks specificity?

  "What are some factors affecting the environment?"
• How many marks are allocated to the 'Planning and Preparation' element in the assessment requirements?

  15 marks
• What is the purpose of identifying geographical interests and skills for an Independent Investigation?

  Selecting a meaningful topic
• Steps involved in conducting preliminary research for an Independent Investigation:

  1️⃣ Explore potential topics

  2️⃣ Gather background information

  3️⃣ Evaluate the feasibility

  4️⃣ Refine the focus
• What does SMART stand for in the context of research questions?

  Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, Time-bound
• Why is gathering background information important in preliminary research?

  To understand existing knowledge
• What is a key characteristic of a good research question?

  It should be SMART
• What is an example of a poor research question?

  What are some factors affecting the environment?
• Assessing the availability of primary and secondary data is a key step in evaluating feasibility.
• What are the assessment requirements for the Independent Investigation component of A-Level Geography?

  Guidelines and expectations set
• The Evaluation and Conclusion element of the assessment requirements is worth 30 marks.

  False
• Urban sprawl is a concept associated with Urban Planning.


  True
• Exploring potential topics involves brainstorming ideas based on previous studies and personal interests.
• Why is conducting preliminary research essential for topic selection?

  Ensures engaging and feasible topic
• Gathering background information helps understand existing knowledge and key concepts related to the research area.


  True
• Provide an example of a research question that meets the 'Specific' criterion.

  "How does urban sprawl affect water quality in London?"
• Understanding assessment requirements is crucial for effectively planning and conducting research.


  True
• The 'Analysis and Interpretation' element is allocated 30 marks.
• Match the area of geographical interest with its relevant concept or theory:

  Urban Planning ↔️ Urban sprawl

  Environmental Management ↔️ Ecosystem balance

  Climate Change ↔️ Greenhouse effect

  Migration Patterns ↔️ Push and pull factors
• Conducting preliminary research is a crucial step in selecting a research topic for a geographical investigation.

  True
• Evaluating the feasibility of a research topic involves assessing data availability and relevant geographical skills.

  True