Fieldwork That Answers a Question · seed 1 · A4, ink-friendly. The answer key prints on its own page for grown-ups.

Planning fieldwork that can prove you wrong

Geography · People & Environments · ages 14-16
Name ______________________   Date ____________

  1. What does random sampling give every spot?

    • A permanent marker flag
    • A trained observer
    • A fair chance of being picked

  2. Which question can fieldwork actually settle?

    • Is litter worse near food shops at lunch
    • Is litter a sad thing
    • Are streets nicer than fields

  3. Systematic sampling measures every tenth metre on a fixed plan.

    Circle one:   True   False

  4. What earns marks when you present your method?

    • Naming famous geographers
    • Saying you chose this because, with reasons
    • Listing expensive equipment

  5. A beach mixes dunes, car park and pier. Which method fits best?

    • Random, to dodge all habits
    • Stratified, sampling each zone
    • No sampling, guess instead

  6. Asking leading questions is harmless because people answer honestly anyway.

    Circle one:   True   False

  7. Your counts show no litter pattern at all. What does honest fieldwork say?

    • Hide the result and claim a pattern
    • Report it; the question allowed proving you wrong
    • Blame the clipboard

  8. You counted only where the ground felt safe. What is the lean and the fix?

    • Easy ground bias; randomise stations
    • Rain bias; bring umbrellas
    • Lunch bias; skip lunch
LightMySky · lightmysky.comW1-mt_ejnJbK_swN-s1

Answer key

For grown-ups. Fold this page away before handing over the rest.

Planning fieldwork that can prove you wrong W1-mt_ejnJbK_swN-s1

  1. A fair chance of being picked · Random means no favourites. Every spot stands an equal chance.
  2. Is litter worse near food shops at lunch · Only the first tells you what to count, where to stand and when.
  3. True · Fixed gaps on a fixed plan is exactly what systematic means.
  4. Saying you chose this because, with reasons · Examiners reward the reasoned pick over the fancy name or kit.
  5. Stratified, sampling each zone · Mixed ground needs every zone covered. Stratified splits first, then samples.
  6. False · Leading questions push answers toward your hopes. Pilot them instead.
  7. Report it; the question allowed proving you wrong · A question that can settle can also surprise. Reporting no pattern is still science.
  8. Easy ground bias; randomise stations · Safe spots flatter easy ground. Random stations remove the comfort pick.
Worksheet · LightMySky