Quantitative and Qualitative Methods
Using a roughly equal methodological balance, including sampling, descriptive and inferential statistics, interviews, coding, visual interpretation and ethical evaluation.
How to study A-level Geography
Frame the issue by place, space and scale, explain the operating processes, interrogate evidence, compare players and contexts, then reach a qualified judgement.
Core concepts
Concept 1
Method choice follows the research question, variable or meaning sought and the conditions of data collection.
Exam cue: State why the method produces evidence relevant to the question.
Concept 2
Quantitative work includes central tendency, dispersion, association, correlation, measurement error and sampling.
Exam cue: Check assumptions before selecting a statistical technique.
Concept 3
Qualitative work includes interviews, observation, textual or visual interpretation and coding, with reflexive attention to representation and ethics.
Exam cue: Triangulate methods where contrasting evidence can reveal uncertainty or perspective.
Risk pitfalls and guardrails
Choosing a statistic because it is familiar rather than appropriate.
Guardrail: Do not replace process explanation with case-study narration, source evaluation with description, or a valid board route with an invented mix of optional themes.
Treating a coded interview theme as objective fact.
Guardrail: Do not replace process explanation with case-study narration, source evaluation with description, or a valid board route with an invented mix of optional themes.
Using a large sample to excuse biased sampling.
Guardrail: Do not replace process explanation with case-study narration, source evaluation with description, or a valid board route with an invented mix of optional themes.
Memory anchors
Sampling Frame
A sampling frame is the set of units from which a sample can be selected.
Dispersion
Dispersion measures how spread out values are around a central value.
Correlation
Correlation measures association and does not by itself establish causation.
Qualitative Coding
Qualitative coding assigns analytical categories to sections of non-numerical evidence.
Triangulation
Triangulation compares different methods or sources to test and deepen an interpretation.
Checkpoint rule
Do the check-up only after you can summarize each concept in one sentence and identify one dangerous pitfall from memory.
Knowledge Check (after reading)
Short check-up to confirm understanding of this module.
Check-up Questions
What is a stratified sample designed to do?
A systematic pedestrian count samples every tenth passer-by. What risk arises if group arrivals repeat every ten people?
Answer all questions to submit.
Next step personalized recommendations
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Move forward only after this module is stable.
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