Energy use fieldwork enquiry

Introduction to Energy Use Fieldwork

In your Geography Paper 2 exam, Section B focuses on fieldwork. If you have studied the Economic activity and energy topic, you will likely answer questions about an enquiry into changing energy use. Fieldwork is all about getting out of the classroom and seeing how geographical theories—like how people use renewable vs. non-renewable energy—actually work in the real world.

Don't worry if fieldwork feels a bit overwhelming! This guide breaks down the process into simple steps, from planning your investigation to evaluating your results. Whether you are writing about your own trip or looking at data you've never seen before in the exam, the steps remain exactly the same.

Note: This chapter focuses on the enquiry process itself. To review the theory of energy types and sector shifts, see the other chapters in the "Economic activity and energy" section.

Step 1: Research Questions and Hypotheses

Every good investigation starts with a question. In this enquiry, we are looking at how and why energy use changes. You might create a hypothesis (a prediction) to test.

Examples of enquiry questions:
• "How does domestic energy use vary between a new housing estate and an older residential area?"
• "To what extent has a local business transitioned to sustainable energy sources?"

Key Tip: A good hypothesis should be measurable. For example: "Newer homes will have more energy-efficiency measures (like solar panels) than older homes."

Step 2: Planning and Risk Assessment

Before heading out, you must plan how to stay safe. This is called a Risk Assessment. In an energy enquiry (often conducted in urban or residential areas), risks might include:

• Traffic: Risk of accidents while walking between survey sites. Management: Wear high-visibility clothing and use designated crossings.
• Weather: Risk of exposure or slipping. Management: Check the forecast and wear appropriate footwear.
• People: Interacting with the public during questionnaires. Management: Work in groups and stay in well-lit, public areas.

Step 3: Data Collection Methods

To satisfy the Pearson Edexcel syllabus, you must use Primary Data (data you collect yourself) and Secondary Data (data from other sources).

Primary Data (Quantitative and Qualitative)

Quantitative data involves numbers and counts. Qualitative data involves descriptions and opinions.

• Structured Questionnaires: Using closed questions (e.g., "Do you use LED lightbulbs? Yes/No") to gather numerical data on energy habits.
• Environmental Quality Surveys (EQS): Using a scale (e.g., \(-3\) to \(+3\)) to judge how "green" or energy-efficient an area looks.
• Annotated Field Sketches/Photographs: Taking a photo of a building and adding labels (annotations) to point out energy features like double-glazed windows, insulation, or EV charging points. This is qualitative data.

Secondary Data

You must use at least two secondary sources. Examples include:
• GIS Topographic Maps: To identify the age and layout of buildings in your study area.
• Local Energy Reports: Online data from the council or government about carbon footprints or energy consumption in specific postcodes.

Sampling Techniques

You can't ask everyone in a city about their energy use, so you must sample:

1. Random Sampling: Every person or house has an equal chance of being chosen. (Fair, but can miss key areas).
2. Systematic Sampling: Picking every \(n^{th}\) person or house (e.g., every \(5^{th}\) house on a street). (Good for even coverage).
3. Stratified Sampling: Dividing the area into groups (e.g., "Old Housing" and "New Housing") and sampling a set number from each to ensure a fair comparison.

Step 4: Data Processing and Presentation

Once you have your data, you need to make it easy to read. This involves Statistical Skills and Graphical Skills.

Processing the numbers

• Mean: The average (add all values and divide by the number of values).
• Percentage: Used to compare groups of different sizes.
\( \text{Percentage} = \frac{\text{Part}}{\text{Total}} \times 100 \)

Presenting the data

• Simple Graphs: Bar charts for categories, line graphs for changes over time, and pie charts for proportions.
• Complex Graphs:
- Scatter Graphs: To see if there is a link between two things (e.g., age of a house vs. energy efficiency score).
- Radial Graphs: Often used for Environmental Quality Surveys to show multiple scores at once.
• Map-based Presentation: Using Choropleth maps (shading areas different colors) or Proportional symbols on a map to show where energy use is highest.

Step 5: Analysis and Conclusions

This is where you explain what your data means. Look for patterns, links, and contrasts.

• Analysis: "The scatter graph shows a positive correlation. As the age of the building increases, the energy efficiency score decreases."
• Conclusion: This is your final answer to your enquiry question. "My results support my hypothesis that newer residential areas use more sustainable energy technology than older areas."

Watch out for Anomalies! An anomaly is a result that doesn't fit the pattern (e.g., one very old house that has been retrofitted with top-tier solar panels). You must mention these in your write-up.

Step 6: Evaluation

In the exam, you are often asked to evaluate your enquiry. This means looking at its strengths and weaknesses. Ask yourself:

• Was the sample size big enough? If you only asked 5 people, your results might not represent the whole area.
• Was there bias? If you only did your survey at 10:00 AM, you might have only spoken to retired people or stay-at-home parents, which biases your results.
• How reliable is the data? Did people tell the truth in the questionnaires? Was the EQS too subjective (based on your personal opinion)?

Key Takeaway: The "Validity" of your Conclusion

If your methods were flawed (e.g., small sample, biased timing), your conclusion might not be valid (accurate). Suggesting improvements, like "repeating the study on different days" or "using more secondary data to verify findings," is a great way to get high marks in evaluation questions.

Quick Review: Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Confusing Primary and Secondary: Remember, Primary is "Me" (you did it), Secondary is "Second-hand" (someone else did it).
• Ignoring the "Energy" context: Always link your answers back to energy use (efficiency, renewables, conservation).
• Misreading Scales: On radial graphs or scatter plots, look carefully at the axes before describing the trend.

Don't worry if this seems tricky at first! Just remember: Question -> Plan -> Collect -> Present -> Analyse -> Evaluate. It's a logical journey!