New
New
Collecting human geographical data
I can use questionnaires and surveys to collect a variety of human geographical data.
Lesson 2 of 13
New
New
- Year 11
- AQA
Collecting human geographical data
I can use questionnaires and surveys to collect a variety of human geographical data.
Lesson details
Key learning points
- Geographers can collect lots of different types of data during fieldwork.
- Questionnaires can be used to measure people's opinions.
- Specific surveys can be used to measure activity in, and the quality of, a settlement.
Keywords
Primary data - data that is collected in person during fieldwork
Secondary data - data that has previously been collected by someone, usually unknown to the person doing the fieldwork
Quantitative - data that is made up of numbers
Qualitative - data that is made up of text
Common misconception
Secondary data has to be collected by geographical experts.
Secondary data is often collected by experts or professional geographers but it can also be the data collected by other students in a different time frame.
If students design their own questionnaire, they should test it on peers and family first. This is known as a pilot study. Students can then edit their questionnaire to remove or change any questions that are found to be ambiguous.
Teacher tip
Equipment
Content guidance
- Risk assessment required - outdoor learning
Supervision
Adult supervision required
Licence
This content is © Oak National Academy Limited (2026), licensed on Open Government Licence version 3.0 except where otherwise stated. See Oak's terms & conditions (Collection 2).
Lesson video
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Prior knowledge starter quiz
6 Questions
Q1.In which stage of a fieldwork enquiry would the geographer go to a field site to record information?
In which stage of a fieldwork enquiry would the geographer go to a field site to record information?
data presentation
data analysis
evaluation
Q2.The stage of a fieldwork enquiry is where the geographer reflects on the research they have done and makes suggestions for improvements.
The stage of a fieldwork enquiry is where the geographer reflects on the research they have done and makes suggestions for improvements.
Q3.A good enquiry question uses language. This means the geographer knows exactly what aspects of the topic they are investigating.
A good enquiry question uses language. This means the geographer knows exactly what aspects of the topic they are investigating.
Q4.Match each enquiry scale to the most likely location and enquiry for which it might be used.
Match each enquiry scale to the most likely location and enquiry for which it might be used.
Q5.An enquiry question could assess …
An enquiry question could assess …
If a change has happened or not.
Why people change their minds.
Q6.Put the letters below in the correct order to fill in the following gap: 'A meaningful enquiry question will have extra detail such as whether an impact is environmental, economic or __________.'
Put the letters below in the correct order to fill in the following gap: 'A meaningful enquiry question will have extra detail such as whether an impact is environmental, economic or __________.'
Assessment exit quiz
4 Questions
Q1.What is quantitative data?
What is quantitative data?
Data that is collected first-hand.
Data that is collected by someone else.
Text data.
Q2. data does not have to be collected by experts; it can also be collected by students from previous years.
data does not have to be collected by experts; it can also be collected by students from previous years.
Q3.Match each type of data to the correct example of data being described.
Match each type of data to the correct example of data being described.
Q4.Which of the following would be classed as a Likert-style question?
Which of the following would be classed as a Likert-style question?
Use three words to describe this part of the national park.
How often do you come to the market for shopping?
How do you feel about the new village recycling scheme?
