Fieldwork Investigations (Cambridge (CIE) IGCSE Environmental Management): Flashcards
Exam code: 0680
1/510Still learning
Know0
Define hypothesis.
Was this flashcard helpful?
Cards in this collection (51)
Define hypothesis.
A hypothesis is a testable idea that gives a prediction for the investigation to test.
Why does an investigation need a clear aim?
An aim gives the investigation a clear purpose, so everyone understands what the study is trying to discover.
Define primary data.
Primary data is data that investigators collect themselves during their own research.
Data that someone else collected, but that an enquiry uses, is data.
Data that someone else collected, but that an enquiry uses, is secondary data.
True or False?
Qualitative data records quantities such as counts and measurements.
False.
Quantitative data records quantities; qualitative data records descriptive information.
Which method suits a large sample: a questionnaire or a survey?
A questionnaire suits a large sample, while a survey is more in-depth and uses a smaller sample.
Define closed question.
A closed question limits answers to single words, numbers or a list of options.
What is the purpose of a pilot study?
A pilot study tests the method, so problems show up early before the final investigation.
Define independent variable.
The independent variable is the variable the investigator changes on purpose during the investigation.
Why do investigators keep control variables the same?
Keeping control variables the same makes a fair test, so changes in results link to the factor under test.
Define dependent variable.
The dependent variable is the variable the investigator measures during the investigation.
An independent variable is the cause, while a dependent variable is the .
An independent variable is the cause, while a dependent variable is the effect.
Why do investigators repeat measurements?
Investigators repeat measurements to check the results are consistent and not just due to chance.
Define replicates.
Replicates are repeats of the method at different locations or times, which give a wider set of results.
Which tools keep recorded data organised?
Tables, tally charts or digital devices keep recorded data organised and easy to understand.
Define anomaly.
An anomaly is a result that does not fit the pattern of the other data.
True or False?
Investigators should always delete an anomalous result straight away.
False.
Investigators first check whether an anomaly comes from an error or natural variation, then remove or explain it.
Why do investigators analyse their data?
Investigators analyse data to identify patterns, trends or relationships between variables.
What does a conclusion state about the hypothesis?
A conclusion states whether the results support the original hypothesis.
Define random sampling.
Random sampling is a method in which every point in the study area has an equal chance of selection.
Why do investigators sample a study area instead of measuring all of it?
Investigators sample because there is not enough time, equipment or access to measure the whole area.
In random sampling, investigators usually choose locations with a random-number .
In random sampling, investigators usually choose locations with a random-number generator.
Why does random sampling give a representative picture of a population?
Random sampling gives a representative picture because it avoids bias from personal choice of sites.
Define systematic sampling.
Systematic sampling is a method that takes samples at regular, pre-determined intervals, for example along a transect line.
True or False?
Random sampling is the best strategy for studying an environmental gradient.
False.
Systematic sampling suits a gradient better, because samples at fixed intervals show how species change across space.
Which type of habitat suits random sampling best?
Random sampling suits uniform habitats, such as grasslands, where species spread fairly evenly.
Systematic sampling can introduce bias if the sampling interval matches a pattern in the habitat.
Systematic sampling can introduce bias if the sampling interval matches a repeating pattern in the habitat.
True or False?
Random sampling always records rare species in a habitat.
False.
Random points may not fall where rare or patchy species occur, so random sampling can miss them.
Why might systematic sampling miss species that are distributed irregularly?
Systematic sampling can miss irregularly distributed species because their patterns may fall between the sampling points.
Why can random sampling be slow in a large study area?
Random sampling can be time-consuming in a large area because some random points are difficult to reach.
Why is systematic sampling easy to organise?
Systematic sampling is easy to organise because its fixed intervals make fieldwork efficient and repeatable.
Define population sampling.
Population sampling is taking a portion of subjects that represents the entire population.
Which organisms do pitfall traps collect?
Pitfall traps collect small ground-dwelling invertebrates, such as beetles, ants and spiders.
Investigators sink a pitfall trap so that its rim sits with the soil surface.
Investigators sink a pitfall trap so that its rim sits flush with the soil surface.
Why must investigators check pitfall traps regularly?
Investigators check pitfall traps regularly because the traps can harm the organisms inside if left too long.
Define pooter.
A pooter is a small hand-held suction device that collects tiny invertebrates.
True or False?
In a pooter, nothing stops the user inhaling the organism.
False.
A mesh usually sits between the mouthpiece and the container, so the user does not inhale the organism.
How do investigators move a sweep net through vegetation?
Investigators move a sweep net in a figure-of-eight or consistent sweeping motion.
Define quadrat.
A quadrat is a square frame placed on the ground to sample plants or slow-moving organisms.
Why can percentage cover estimates in quadrats reduce reliability?
Percentage cover estimates vary between observers, which reduces reliability.
Define transect.
A transect is a straight line, such as a tape measure or rope, laid across a habitat to study changes along a gradient.
Along a transect, investigators use quadrats or point sampling at .
Along a transect, investigators use quadrats or point sampling at regular intervals.
Which type of study suits a transect?
Transects suit zonation studies, such as sand dunes, rocky shores and woodland edges.
True or False?
Aerial drones work well for counting small, camouflaged species.
False.
Drones are weak for small or camouflaged species; they suit large or visible species.
Which species suit automated sampling?
Automated sampling suits species that are nocturnal, elusive, fast-moving or difficult to observe directly.
What can cause false triggers in automated sensors?
Wind or vegetation movement can cause false triggers in automated sensors.
True or False?
Pooters give the same results whoever uses them.
False.
Pooter results depend on the user's skill and reaction time.
Which species do pitfall traps miss?
Pitfall traps miss species that climb or fly.
A transect can introduce bias if its route avoids .
A transect can introduce bias if its route avoids difficult terrain.
In which vegetation are sweep nets difficult to use?
Sweep nets are difficult to use in dense or thorny vegetation.
What limits drone flights during a survey?
Weather and battery life can limit drone flights.
Sign up to unlock flashcards
or