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EnglandEnvironmental Science

3.6 Sustainability and research methods

3 dot points across 3 inquiry questions. Click any dot point for a focused answer with worked past exam questions where available.

How do we analyse environmental data and decide whether a result is statistically significant?

The handling and presentation of environmental data, the use of means, ranges and standard deviation, the choice and use of statistical tests, correlation versus causation, and the evaluation of reliability and validity.
A focused answer to AQA A-Level Environmental Science 3.6 data handling, covering the presentation of data, means and standard deviation, statistical tests, correlation versus causation, and the evaluation of reliability and validity.
12 min answer →

How do environmental scientists sample populations and monitor the environment reliably?

Methods of sampling populations and habitats including quadrats, transects and capture techniques, the importance of random sampling and replication, and the abiotic and biotic factors that are monitored.
A focused answer to AQA A-Level Environmental Science 3.6 research methods, covering sampling techniques such as quadrats, transects and mark-release-recapture, the importance of random sampling and replication, and the abiotic and biotic factors monitored.
12 min answer →

What does sustainability really mean, and how do we balance human needs against environmental limits?

The meaning of sustainability and sustainable development, the concepts of ecological footprint and carrying capacity, the difference between renewable and non-renewable resources, and the principles that guide sustainable resource use.
A focused answer to AQA A-Level Environmental Science 3.6 sustainability, covering the meaning of sustainability and sustainable development, ecological footprint and carrying capacity, renewable and non-renewable resources, and the principles of sustainable resource use.
12 min answer →