How do I identify key questions for geographical enquiry?

To identify key questions for geographical enquiry, consider the topic's relevance, scope, and the data required to answer them.

When starting a geographical enquiry, the first step is to choose a topic that interests you and is relevant to your studies. This could be anything from climate change to urban development. Once you have a topic, think about what you want to find out. Your key questions should be specific and focused, helping to guide your research and data collection.

Next, consider the scope of your enquiry. Are you looking at a local, national, or global scale? The scale will influence the type of questions you ask. For example, if you're studying urban development in your local area, you might ask, "How has the population of my town changed over the last 20 years?" If you're looking at a global issue like climate change, a question might be, "What are the main factors contributing to global warming?"

It's also important to think about the data you'll need to answer your questions. Will you need quantitative data, like statistics and figures, or qualitative data, like interviews and observations? For instance, if your question is about the impact of tourism on a coastal area, you might need data on tourist numbers, economic benefits, and environmental impacts. Make sure your questions are clear and that you can realistically gather the data needed to answer them.

Finally, ensure your questions are open-ended, encouraging detailed investigation and analysis. Instead of asking, "Is pollution a problem in my city?" ask, "What are the main sources of pollution in my city, and how do they affect the environment and residents?" This approach will help you develop a thorough and insightful geographical enquiry.