Guide to Chapter 1 - Introduction

The first thing you need to do is develop a hypothesis to investigate. A hypothesis is a statement that you will prove to be true or false. It needs to be based on the key question.For example:

Most people visit Castleton from over 400kms away, be mainly from Southern Europe and are attracted by the coral reef*

*this is an example and should not be used

Think of a hypothesis then show it to your teacher.

Your introduction should be a piece of writing describing what you are studying and giving the background to the project. It should consist of six parts:

1. the geographical theme and background
2. the specific hypothesis you are going to test
3. give a reason(s) why you have chosen this topic and hypothesis
4. Identify the main key words that you will be using throughout the investigation
5. describe in detail the geographical location where you will carry out the investigation (include information on its site and situation). You should also give reasons for choosing this location. Use a map(s) to show the area
6. a brief description of the data you will collect and how you will test and present it

All six parts need to be completed and a series of free hand maps need to be included to accurately show the the location of the study area. The key is to explain and justify the title, methods and techniques that you will use.

1. Geographical Background
This refers to the Geographical theories, models or ideas. In this section you need to discuss the topic you are studying. For example if you are studying National Parks, you should discuss what they are, their location in relation to urban areas, accessibility, honey pots, human/natural attractions of honey pots in National Parks.

2. Hypothesis
Give the hypothesis that you intend to study. Describe what you expect to find and explain your reasons for this. Refer to text books for "theory" that will back up your reasons.

3. Reason for hypothesis
Give a reason for selecting this topic and hypothesis.

4. Key Words
List 3 or 4 key geographical terms that you will use throughout the investigation and write a definition for each. When you use these through the investigation make sure they are highlighted.

5. Location Description
Describe in detail the geographical location where you will carry out the investigation (include information on its site and situation). Also, the best geographical enquiries state why the area you are studying is good for your particular project.
Maps:
o Don't just photocopy/print a map and stick it in - it must include annotations
o Use maps of different scale
o Use grid references o Use distance/direction
o Include a sketch map o Include features such as titles/north point/scale/key etc.

(PLEASE NOTE: IT IS STRONGLY SUGGESTED THAT YOU COMPLETE CHAPTER 2 BEFORE YOU ATTEMPT THIS SECTION - YOU CAN HAND YOUR ROUGH DRAFT OF THIS CHAPTER TO YOUR TEACHER WITHOUT SECTION 6 BEING COMLPETED)

6. Data
Having covered the other 5 sections you should state briefly what data you will collect, how you will present it and how you will analyse it. You need to include clear points describing:
o What type of data you need to examine your hypothesis
o From which sources you intend to collect your data - state which primary sources (fieldwork methods you will carry out) and which secondary sources (printed matter, the Internet etc.) you will use.
o What type of sampling method you will use: random systematic stratified transect biased e.g. only ask adults and the reasons why????
o What methods of fieldwork will you use to collect each set of data, and why will you use them