How do I design a fieldwork investigation?

To design a fieldwork investigation, identify your research question, choose a location, plan methods, and ensure data collection.

First, start by identifying a clear research question or hypothesis. This will guide your entire investigation. For example, you might want to explore how river velocity changes downstream or how urbanisation affects local biodiversity. Make sure your question is specific and manageable within the time and resources you have.

Next, choose a suitable location for your fieldwork. The location should be relevant to your research question and accessible. For instance, if you're studying river velocity, you need a river with various sections you can safely access. If you're investigating urbanisation, select different urban and suburban areas to compare.

Then, plan your methods for data collection. Decide what data you need and how you will collect it. For example, if you're studying river velocity, you might measure the speed of the water at different points using a flow meter. If you're looking at biodiversity, you might conduct a species count in different areas. Make sure your methods are practical and reliable.

Ensure you have all the necessary equipment and materials. This might include measuring tapes, quadrats, flow meters, or survey sheets. Also, consider any safety equipment you might need, like gloves or waterproof clothing.

Finally, plan how you will record and analyse your data. Create data sheets or tables to organise your findings. Think about how you will present your data, such as using graphs or maps. Also, consider any statistical methods you might use to analyse your data, like calculating averages or looking for correlations.

Remember to follow ethical guidelines, such as getting permission to access private land and ensuring your investigation does not harm the environment. Happy investigating!