Topic 6: Fieldwork enquiry stage 6 - Critical reflection — Edexcel GCSE Geography B
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Topic 6: Fieldwork enquiry stage 6 - Critical reflection explained
Reflecting critically means evaluating your own fieldwork rather than only describing it.
Read the full explanation
The statement has four clauses. First, judge the data's reliability, such as whether counts were repeated. Second, explain the strengths and limitations of each method used, such as a questionnaire given to shoppers on one Saturday. Third, judge whether the conclusions drawn are justified and state what they cannot show. Fourth, state the knowledge gained about the enquiry question and what further work would extend it. Name specific weaknesses and suggest a realistic improvement for each one.
Your focus
- Evaluate the reliability of a given set of fieldwork data.
- Explain a limitation of a named fieldwork method and its effect on the findings.
- Suggest a specific, realistic improvement that addresses an identified weakness.
Topic 6: Fieldwork enquiry stage 6 - Critical reflection exam tips
Marking Points
- Evaluates the reliability of the data collected, such as whether measurements were repeated.
- Explains the strengths and limitations of each method used in the enquiry.
- Judges whether each conclusion is justified by the evidence collected.
- Identifies what the enquiry has taught about the topic and what further work would extend it.
- Suggests a realistic, specific improvement for each weakness identified.
Examiner Tips
- 💡Pick one weakness for each method and explain how it affected the findings.
- 💡Check that each improvement you suggest addresses a named weakness.
- 💡Finish by stating clearly what your enquiry has taught you about the question.
Common Mistakes
- Describes what was done without judging how well it worked; add an evaluation for each method.
- Treats a method as flawless; state at least one limitation and its effect on the findings.
- Offers vague improvements, such as recommending a bigger sample without saying how large it should be or why.
- Ignores the knowledge gained; state what the enquiry now shows about the question.