Geography IA Criteria

Criterion A Fieldwork question and geographical context (3 marks)

Criterion B (3 marks)
-method table is a viable option
-method of collection
-describe collection
-use annotations (10 words) to keep word count
-why is it appropriate
Criterion C Data presentation (5 marks)
-how data is presented
-data table not accepted
-range of graphs
-two sophisticated methods of presentation (spearman rank)
-radar diagrams, annotated photos located on a map
-combining line and bar graphs on Excel
-axis labels and title
-graph, analysis, graph, analysis
-annotate key points
Criterion D Analysis (10 marks) (1200 words)
-TRACC: trend/pattern, result, reason, anomaly, compare/connect (link with data
presentation)
-bipolar semantic differentiation (grade 0-5 between two extremes)
-stationary gridlock traffic v no cars
Criterion E Conclusion (2 marks) (200 words)
-answer hypotheses
-use evidence and data to prove whether you have totally, partially, or tentatively
answered the research question
Criterion F Evaluation (3 marks) (300 words)
-think about successes and limitations of every section of work
-hypotheses, collecting data, presented, how it helped answer the question
-suggest how it could be more successful in future
-evaluation table in methodology acceptable
Criterion G Formal requirements (4 marks)
-pages numbered
-work within 2500 word limit
-overall presentation neat and structured
-illustrative material numbered and fully integrate into report body (not appendix)
-reference secondary data and geographical models or theories

-table of contents
-needs secondary research

Tips:
Introduction
Put heading at beginning of section
Use criterion heading from marking rubric as subtitle
State question at beginning of introduction (italicize)
Give background research (geographical context)
Give clear geographical context
Define key terms
Study must be spatial/locational (use maps)
Scale, north arrow, figure number, annotations, labeled
Sketch maps
Close-up of area studied, use annotations to label
Use three hypotheses, with justification and data used (index)
Word count at end of each section
Methodology
Justify method of collecting data
Show transect with annotated map
Justify sampling method
Annotate and justify data collection sheets to show its well-suited for the fieldwork
question
Link back to research question
Quality and treatment of data
Display data/graphs on map
Show spatial patterns
Use statistical tests to justify hypothesis (T-test, Chi-squared test, Spearman rank
test)
Use data to justify generalizations
Make links between two hypotheses
Do each hypothesis one at a time, but you can refer to previous hypotheses if they
are linked
Refer back to main fieldwork question
Dont ignore anomalies
Use geographical terms (quality of life, sphere of influence, ease of accessibility)
Hypothesis doesnt have to be right or wrong as long as it is justified by relevant
data

Conclusion
Clearly state conclusion
4 short paragraphs (hypothesis 1, 2, 3, answer question)
state how data leads to conclusion (quality of life suggests hypothesis 1 is correct)
Evaluation
-evaluate sampling strategies
-issues with data
-things influencing validity of data (e.g. rain when collecting data)
-extend/change study: come up with alternative hypotheses and justify
-ensure all formal requirements are fulfilled
Appendix
include raw data tables, copy of survey results, relevant photos
may not be looked at
clearly reference secondary data (Harvard referencing)
Word count
abbreviate names
be concise make point, move on
choose phrases with fewer words but have same meaning
use headings and subheadings (not part of word count)
list of points instead of paragraph of information
Deadlines
Purpose of investigation: 30th Jan
Data collection methods: 6th Feb
Data presentation: 11th Feb
Analysis: 11th Feb
Complete draft submission (conclusion + evaluation): 27 th Feb