Writing Up a Fieldwork Report

This section provides a guide to writing up GCSE Geography fieldwork report. After completing fieldwork, it is essential to write up a detailed report. This report documents the study, presents the findings, and provides an analysis of the data collected. Below is a step-by-step guide on how to structure and write up a fieldwork report.

Sections of a Fieldwork Report

A fieldwork report typically includes the following sections:

1. Introduction

The introduction sets the stage for your fieldwork study. It provides background information on the location and the enquiry question.

• Location and Maps: This section should describe the study site, including relevant geographical features. Include location maps at different scales, such as a national map showing the area’s location, followed by a more detailed map zooming in on the specific study site. For instance, if you were studying the effect of urbanisation on a river, include a map of the city, highlighting the river's course and urban areas.
• Enquiry Question: Clearly state your enquiry question. For example, "How has urbanisation affected water quality in the River Thames?" The enquiry question should be specific, concise, and guide the entire report.

Example:

Location: The River Thames, London
Enquiry Question: How does the water quality of the River Thames change from upstream to downstream?

2. Methodology

In this section, describe the methods you used to collect data. The methodology should be detailed enough that someone else could replicate your study.

• Data Collection: Explain how you gathered your data, step by step. For example, if you measured water quality, you might describe the process of taking water samples from various points along the river at different times of the day.
• Justification: Justify why you selected these methods. For example, if you chose to measure pH levels in the river, explain that this method is directly linked to assessing water quality, which is central to your enquiry question.
• Primary vs. Secondary Data: Clearly distinguish between primary data (data you collect firsthand, e.g., measurements of river flow or surveys) and secondary data (data collected by others, such as historical water quality reports).
• Site Map: Include a map of the study sites, showing where each measurement was taken, along with approximate timings. For instance, mark on a map where you took water samples from the Thames, indicating locations such as upstream near source and downstream near urban areas.

Example:

• Data Collection: At Site 1 (upstream), collect a water sample and measure the pH and turbidity at 10:00 am. Repeat the measurements at Site 2 (midstream) and Site 3 (downstream) at 2:00 pm.
• Justification: The pH and turbidity levels were chosen because they are direct indicators of water quality and could reveal differences caused by urbanisation.

3. Data Presentation

Raw data can be difficult to interpret, so presenting it clearly is crucial. In this section, you will organise your collected data and display it in a way that highlights patterns and trends.

• Tables: Present raw data in tables, such as a table showing the pH and turbidity measurements at each site.
• Graphs and Charts: Create appropriate graphs or charts to illustrate patterns. Bar graphs, line graphs, or scatter plots can be particularly useful for showing trends over time or between different sites. For example, a line graph could show how pH changes from upstream to downstream.
• Accuracy: Ensure that the data is presented clearly and accurately. For instance, when drawing a graph, make sure the axes are labelled correctly and that the scales are consistent.

Example:

• Graph: A line graph showing the change in pH levels from the source of the river to the mouth, demonstrating any variations along the river’s course.

4. Analysis

In the analysis section, examine the data in detail and discuss any patterns or trends. Consider how the data helps to answer the enquiry question.

• Patterns: Look for clear patterns, such as an increase or decrease in pH levels along the river. For example, you might notice that the pH decreases downstream due to pollution from urban areas.
• Anomalies: Identify any anomalies; data points that do not fit the expected pattern. For example, if one site has an unexpectedly high turbidity level, you should discuss potential reasons for this, such as recent rainfall or construction near the river.
• Geographical Terminology: Use accurate geographical terms to describe the features and processes you’re discussing. For example, when referring to river characteristics, you might mention erosion, deposition, or flow velocity.

Example:

• Pattern: There was a gradual decrease in pH from upstream to downstream, with the lowest pH recorded in the urban section of the river. This suggests that urban pollution is negatively impacting water quality.

5. Conclusion

The conclusion should briefly summarise the findings and answer the enquiry question based on the data collected.

• Summary of Results: Restate the main findings, highlighting any key patterns or trends discovered during analysis.
• Answer to the Enquiry: Provide a concise answer to the enquiry question. For example, "The water quality in the River Thames worsens as it flows through urban areas, with pH levels decreasing and turbidity increasing downstream."

6. Evaluation

The evaluation section considers the strengths and weaknesses of the fieldwork process and suggests improvements for future studies.

• Strengths: Discuss what went well during the fieldwork, such as accurate data collection or the use of reliable equipment.
• Weaknesses: Acknowledge any limitations or issues you faced, such as limited access to certain sites, bad weather affecting measurements, or difficulties in obtaining large sample sizes.
• Improvements: Suggest how the fieldwork could be improved in the future. For example, you could recommend using additional measurement sites or increasing the frequency of data collection to get a clearer picture of water quality changes.
• Extensions: Propose how the study could be expanded. For example, a future study could compare water quality in the River Thames to other rivers in different regions or examine seasonal changes in water quality.

Example:

• Weakness: The data collection was limited by the time constraints, meaning we only took measurements at three sites.
• Improvement: In the future, it would be beneficial to take samples more frequently along the river to capture more detailed data.

Field Sketches

Field sketches are another useful method for recording qualitative data during fieldwork. While they are not as precise as photographs, they can provide a valuable visual representation of the landscape.

How to Draw a Field Sketch

Field sketches don't require advanced artistic skills but should be clear and detailed enough to serve as useful records.

Identify the Landscape: Choose the key features you want to capture, such as hills, rivers, or buildings.

Title the Sketch: Label the sketch with the location, such as "Site One – Riverbank."

Outline Features: Start by drawing a simple outline of the main features with a pencil. For example, draw the basic shape of a river, hills, or buildings.

Add Detail: Add finer details, like meanders in the river, cliffs, or roads. Only include people if they are relevant to your study, for example, if you are studying tourism.

Annotate: Label important features and note conditions such as the weather or time of day. For instance, "Weather: Sunny, light breeze."

Photographs: Complement field sketches with photographs, which can add more accuracy and detail to your record.

Example:

A field sketch of a river might include the main river channel, a meander, and erosion features such as river cliffs. Annotations might mention the width of the river, the flow speed, or the presence of any vegetation along the banks.

By following this structured approach to writing up your fieldwork report, you will be able to present your findings clearly and professionally, ensuring a thorough analysis of your enquiry question.