← Geography syllabus

ScotlandGeography

Application of Geographical Skills

4 dot points across 4 inquiry questions. Click any dot point for a focused answer with worked past exam questions where available.

How do geographers gather data in the field, and how do I choose the right technique?

Fieldwork and data-gathering techniques, the difference between primary and secondary data, sampling methods, and choosing and justifying techniques for a geographical investigation.
An SQA Higher Geography answer on data-gathering techniques, covering primary and secondary data, fieldwork methods such as questionnaires, surveys and measurements, sampling methods, and how to choose and justify the right technique for a geographical investigation.
11 min answer →

How do I read, process and present geographical data correctly?

The processing of geographical data, choosing and interpreting graphs and diagrams, simple statistics such as averages and percentages, and drawing conclusions from data.
An SQA Higher Geography answer on processing and presenting data, covering simple statistics such as the mean, median, mode, range and percentage, the selection and interpretation of graphs and diagrams, and how to draw valid conclusions from geographical data.
11 min answer →

How do I read an Ordnance Survey map and use grid references?

The use of Ordnance Survey maps including four- and six-figure grid references, scale and distance, direction and bearings, height and gradient, and the interpretation of relief and land use.
An SQA Higher Geography answer on mapping skills, covering how to read an Ordnance Survey map, give four- and six-figure grid references, measure scale, distance, direction and gradient, interpret contours and relief, and link map evidence to land use decisions.
11 min answer →

How do I plan, carry out and write up the Higher Geography assignment for full marks?

The Higher Geography assignment as the added value component, including choosing a geographical topic and aim, gathering primary and secondary data, processing and presenting it, analysing the results, reaching a conclusion and evaluating the methods, marked out of 30.
An SQA Higher Geography answer on the assignment, the 30-mark added value component, covering how to choose a topic and aim, gather primary and secondary data, process and present it, analyse the results, draw a supported conclusion and evaluate the methods under controlled conditions, with the mark allocation and worked guidance.
12 min answer →