4.1.1 Introduction to Independent Investigation

• Steps in the research process for an independent investigation in Geography

  1️⃣ Selecting a topic

  2️⃣ Developing a research proposal

  3️⃣ Gathering data

  4️⃣ Analyzing the data

  5️⃣ Drawing conclusions

  6️⃣ Communicating the results
• Fieldwork in Geography is a teacher-led process of data collection and analysis.


  True
• Why is the research question "How do land use changes impact biodiversity in urban parks?" considered a good question?

  Focused, data-driven, relevant
• What are two alternative types of geographical studies mentioned in contrast to independent investigations?

  Fieldwork and desk studies
• What are the key criteria for a suitable research question in Geography?

  Clarity, focus, feasibility, relevance, specificity
• A good research question should be overly broad to ensure comprehensive data collection.

  False
• When selecting a topic for an independent investigation, it should address a well-defined geographical question or problem
• What does relevance mean in the context of choosing a geographical theme for an independent investigation?

  Contribution to geographical knowledge
• Urban land use changes and their impact on biodiversity is a suitable theme for an independent investigation.


  True
• What is the purpose of an independent investigation in Geography?

  Develop research skills
• Steps of the research process for an independent investigation:

  1️⃣ Selecting a topic

  2️⃣ Developing a research proposal

  3️⃣ Gathering data

  4️⃣ Analyzing the data

  5️⃣ Drawing conclusions

  6️⃣ Communicating the results
• A good research question, such as "How do land use changes impact biodiversity in urban parks?", is focused on a specific geographical issue
• A good research question guides the research towards a specific and achievable goal.


  True
• A vague and broad topic is suitable for an independent investigation.

  False
• A geographical topic should be specific rather than overly broad
• What are the key components of a research methodology?

  1️⃣ Research Design

  2️⃣ Data Collection

  3️⃣ Data Analysis
• Methodological rigor involves transparent planning and systematic execution of procedures.


  True
• The aims and objectives of a study should clearly state the research questions.


  True
• Match the component of an introduction with its description:

  Background ↔️ Provides relevant context

  Aims and Objectives ↔️ States research questions

  Methodology ↔️ Outlines research design

  Significance ↔️ Explains study relevance
• A bad introduction fails to clearly articulate the research question and aims
• What is the purpose of the background in an independent investigation introduction?

  Provide relevant context
• The methodology section of an introduction should briefly outline the research design and data collection methods.


  True
• A good introduction for an independent investigation should provide background on the geographical issue being investigated.


  True
• What is the purpose of a research statement in an independent investigation?

  Provide a concise overview
• What is the primary goal of an independent investigation in Geography?

  Develop research skills
• Steps in the research process for an independent investigation in Geography

  1️⃣ Selecting a topic

  2️⃣ Developing a research proposal

  3️⃣ Gathering data

  4️⃣ Analyzing the data

  5️⃣ Drawing conclusions

  6️⃣ Communicating the results
• What are the key criteria for a good research question in Geography?

  Clear, focused, feasible
• Why is feasibility important when selecting a topic for an independent investigation?

  Ensure data is accessible
• A good geographical topic should address a broad and general geographical question.

  False
• Steps in developing a clear research methodology for a geographical investigation

  1️⃣ Choose a research design

  2️⃣ Gather primary or secondary data

  3️⃣ Apply statistical or qualitative methods

  4️⃣ Draw meaningful conclusions
• The introduction for an independent investigation emphasizes the student-led nature of the research.


  True
• Citing relevant sources and acknowledging prior research builds credibility for a geographical investigation.


  True
• Achievable objectives should be unrealistic given the available resources.

  False
• An independent investigation empowers students to take ownership of their learning
• A good research question is clear, focused, feasible, relevant, and specific
• A broad research question like "What are the causes of environmental pollution?" requires extensive literature review and broad data sets.


  True
• The feasibility criterion requires that primary or secondary data should be accessible within the given time and constraints
• What is one key criterion for choosing a geographical theme or case study for an independent investigation?

  Relevance
• Match the type of geographical theme/case study with its description:

  Good Geographical Theme ↔️ Focused on a specific issue

  Bad Geographical Theme ↔️ Broad and vague topic
• What is the main difference between primary and secondary data?

  Origin and purpose