Analysing information from a range of sources
When you have completed your research on your topic, check to ensure you have collected a wide range of evidence and data. This will give you plenty to talk about in your report. You must clearly analyse, describe, and explain your findings from carrying out your research.
To do this, you need to use the information on your Processed Information Sheets – such as graphs/maps/photos to describe in detail what you have found out.
Next, you need to use your geographical knowledge to explain these findings. You may analyse the information you have gathered in a number of different ways. Some examples are given below:
- compare evidence with geographical theories – such as how does River X compare to the Bradshaw River Model?
- identify significant features of the topic or issue – such the effects on the local people and environment if a new development goes ahead
- make links between evidence, by using information on your Processed Information sheets along with your own knowledge – such as by linking the main characteristics of soil along a slope and discussing their impact on soil formation
- establish anomalies or contradictions – such as where certain parts of the Concentric Zone Model match
- make comparisons and contrasts – such as how and why life expectancy varies between country A and country B
- combine information from different sources to strengthen your point – such as sound meter survey results and traffic counts
- state possible implications/consequences – such as if development X is built on the greenbelt then Y will happen
As you analyse your topic or issue you will most likely make a series of smaller conclusions, which will help you to reach an overall conclusion at the end of your report.
Note: You will need to analyse at least two different factors to achieve the maximum eight marks for analysis. If you only analyse one factor, you can only achieve a maximum of four marks for analysis.