Field work

• An example of stratified sampling is random selection within predefined groups.
• In a simple random sample, every member of the population has an equal chance of being selected.
• Stratified sampling is used where the sample area can be subdivided. After dividing, proportionate random observations are taken from each population subsection.
• Quadrats are used to assess vegetation coverage and frequency in a study site. They can be used in random, systematic and stratified sampling. There are two types: frame and point.
• Quadrats can be used to measure biotic factors related to population size, species richness, species distribution, and biodiversity. When sampling with a quadrat, it's essential to know the species distribution. A sparser distribution requires a larger quadrat size.
• Transects are lines laid out on the ground. Either the transect is continuous or interrupted, where measurements are made at regular intervals. Transects are frequently used in systematic sampling.
• ACFOR stands for: abundant, common, frequent, occasional and rare.
• Abiotic factors are non-living components of ecosystems.
• Enumeration is the complete ordered listing of items.
• Systematic sampling is used where the study area includes an environmental gradient, such as a sand dune system. Transects are lines placed along the gradient and are used to make regular measurements.
• Quantitative research is numeric and objective, seeking to answer questions like when or where.
• Qualitative research is concerned with subjective phenomena that can't be numerically measured, like how different people experience grief.
• The Chi Squared Test tells us whether our 'hunch' is statistically significant – i.e. that – yes, we have noticed a valid geographical phenomenon that deserves further investigation as part of a geographical enquiry.
• A typical sand dune transect goes from the mobile dunes nearest the sea (embryo, fore and yellow) to the fixed dunes nearest the backshore (grey dunes and dune slack).
• Ordnance Survey (OS) Maps - is the national mapping agency for Great Britain. A grid system is used to show the location of points on the map. A 4-figure grid reference is a single kilometre square while a 6-figure is a 100 meter square within the kilometre square.
• Ordnance Survey (OS) Maps - The bottom (across the corridor) is the Eastlings and (up the stairs) is northlings. This is also the order of grid references.