3.3.4 Non-exam assessment mark scheme

Area 1: Introduction and preliminary research

AO3 (strand 1): 10 marks

Assessment criteria	Level 4 10–9 marks	Level 3 8–6 marks	Level 2 5–3 marks	Level 1 2–1 marks	No marks 0
To define the research questions which underpin field investigations. (AO3)	A research question(s) is effectively identified and is completely referenced to the specification.	A research question(s) is securely identified that is explicitly linked to the specification.	A research question(s) which is partial. Links to the specification are imprecise.	A research question(s) is generalised. Links to the specification are tentative.	Does not meet criteria.
To research relevant literature sources and understand and write up the theoretical or comparative context for a research question. (AO3)	Well-supported by thorough use of relevant literature sources. Theoretical and comparative contexts are well-understood and well-stated.	Supported by focused use of relevant literature sources. Theoretical and comparative contexts are consistently understood and stated.	Supported by some use of relevant literature sources. Theoretical and comparative contexts are inconsistently stated.	Limited or basic use of relevant literature sources. Theoretical and comparative contexts are isolated.	Does not meet criteria.

Assessment criteria

Level 4

10–9 marks

Level 3

8–6 marks

Level 2

5–3 marks

Level 1

2–1 marks

No marks

To define the research questions which underpin field investigations. (AO3)

A research question(s) is effectively identified and is completely referenced to the specification.

A research question(s) is securely identified that is explicitly linked to the specification.

A research question(s) which is partial. Links to the specification are imprecise.

A research question(s) is generalised. Links to the specification are tentative.

Does not meet criteria.

To research relevant literature sources and understand and write up the theoretical or comparative context for a research question. (AO3)

Well-supported by thorough use of relevant literature sources.

Theoretical and comparative contexts are well-understood and well-stated.

Supported by focused use of relevant literature sources.

Theoretical and comparative contexts are consistently understood and stated.

Supported by some use of relevant literature sources.

Theoretical and comparative contexts are inconsistently stated.

Limited or basic use of relevant literature sources.

Theoretical and comparative contexts are isolated.

Does not meet criteria.

Area 2: Methods of field investigation

AO3 (strand 2): 15 marks

Assessment criteria	Level 4 15–12 marks	Level 3 11–8 marks	Level 2 7–4 marks	Level 1 3–1 marks	No marks 0
To observe and record phenomena in the field and devise and justify practical approaches taken in the field including frequency/timing of observation, sampling, and data collection approaches (AO3).	Detailed use of a range of appropriate observational, recording and other data collection approaches including sampling. Thorough and well-reasoned justification of data collection approaches.	Clear use of appropriate observational, recording and other data collection approaches including sampling. Explicit justification of data collection approaches.	Intermittent use of appropriate observational, recording and other data collection approaches including sampling. Some justification of data collection approaches.	Basic use of appropriate observational, recording and other data collection approaches including sampling. Justification of data collection approaches is tentative.	Does not meet criteria.
To demonstrate practical knowledge and understanding of field methodologies appropriate to the investigation of human and physical processes (AO3).	Detailed demonstration of practical knowledge and understanding of field methodologies appropriate to the investigation of human and physical processes.	Clear demonstration of practical knowledge and understanding of field methodologies appropriate to the investigation of human and physical processes.	Intermittent demonstration of practical knowledge and understanding of field methodologies appropriate to the investigation of human and physical processes.	Limited demonstration of practical knowledge and understanding of field methodologies appropriate to the investigation of human and physical processes.	Does not meet criteria.
To implement chosen methodologies to collect data/information of good quality and relevant to the topic under investigation (AO3).	Detailed implementation of chosen methodologies to collect data/information of good quality and relevant to the topic under investigation.	Clear implementation of chosen methodologies to collect data/information of good quality and relevant to the topic under investigation.	Partial implementation of chosen methodologies to collect data/information of good quality and relevant to the topic under investigation.	Limited implementation of chosen methodologies to collect data/information of good quality and relevant to the topic under investigation.	Does not meet criteria.

Assessment criteria

Level 4

15–12 marks

Level 3

11–8 marks

Level 2

7–4 marks

Level 1

3–1 marks

No marks

To observe and record phenomena in the field and devise and justify practical approaches taken in the field including frequency/timing of observation, sampling, and data collection approaches (AO3).

Detailed use of a range of appropriate observational, recording and other data collection approaches including sampling.

Thorough and well-reasoned justification of data collection approaches.

Clear use of appropriate observational, recording and other data collection approaches including sampling.

Explicit justification of data collection approaches.

Intermittent use of appropriate observational, recording and other data collection approaches including sampling.

Some justification of data collection approaches.

Basic use of appropriate observational, recording and other data collection approaches including sampling.

Justification of data collection approaches is tentative.

Does not meet criteria.

To demonstrate practical knowledge and understanding of field methodologies appropriate to the investigation of human and physical processes (AO3).

Detailed demonstration of practical knowledge and understanding of field methodologies appropriate to the investigation of human and physical processes.

Clear demonstration of practical knowledge and understanding of field methodologies appropriate to the investigation of human and physical processes.

Intermittent demonstration of practical knowledge and understanding of field methodologies appropriate to the investigation of human and physical processes.

Limited demonstration of practical knowledge and understanding of field methodologies appropriate to the investigation of human and physical processes.

Does not meet criteria.

To implement chosen methodologies to collect data/information of good quality and relevant to the topic under investigation (AO3).

Detailed implementation of chosen methodologies to collect data/information of good quality and relevant to the topic under investigation.

Clear implementation of chosen methodologies to collect data/information of good quality and relevant to the topic under investigation.

Partial implementation of chosen methodologies to collect data/information of good quality and relevant to the topic under investigation.

Limited implementation of chosen methodologies to collect data/information of good quality and relevant to the topic under investigation.

Does not meet criteria.

Area 3: Methods of critical analysis

20 marks – AO2: 6 marks; AO3 (strand 2): 14 marks

Assessment criteria	Level 4 20–15 marks (AO2 – 6; AO3 - 14)	Level 3 14–10 marks (AO2 – 4; AO3 – 10)	Level 2 9–5 marks (AO2 – 2; AO3 – 7)	Level 1 4–1 marks (AO2 – 1; AO3 – 3)	No marks 0
To demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the techniques appropriate for analysing field data and information and for representing results, and show ability to select suitable quantitative or qualitative approaches and to apply them (AO3).	Effective demonstration of knowledge and understanding of the techniques appropriate for analysing field data and information and for representing results. Thorough ability to select suitable quantitative or qualitative approaches and to apply them.	Precise demonstration of knowledge and understanding of the techniques appropriate for analysing field data and information and for representing results. Clear ability to select suitable quantitative or qualitative approaches and to apply them.	Imprecise demonstration of knowledge and understanding of the techniques appropriate for analysing field data and information and for representing results. Some ability to select suitable quantitative or qualitative approaches and to apply them.	Limited demonstration of knowledge and understanding of the techniques appropriate for analysing field data and information and for representing results. Basic ability to select suitable quantitative or qualitative approaches and to apply them.	Does not meet criteria.
To demonstrate the ability to interrogate and critically examine field data in order to comment on its accuracy and/or the extent to which it is representative, and use the experience to extend geographical understanding (AO3).	Thorough ability to interrogate and critically examine field data in order to comment on its accuracy and/or the extent to which it is representative. Complete use of the experience to extend geographical understanding.	Clear ability to interrogate and critically examine field data in order to comment on its accuracy and/or the extent to which it is representative. Secure use of the experience to extend geographical understanding.	Partial ability to interrogate and critically examine field data in order to comment on its accuracy and/or the extent to which it is representative. Inconsistent use of the experience to extend geographical understanding.	Limited ability to interrogate and critically examine field data in order to comment on its accuracy and/or the extent to which it is representative. Tentative use of the experience to extend geographical understanding.	Does not meet criteria
To apply existing knowledge, theory and concepts to order and understand field observations (AO2).	Effective application of existing knowledge, theory and concepts to order and understand field observations.	Focused application of existing knowledge, theory and concepts to order and understand field observations.	Implicit application of existing knowledge, theory and concepts to order and understand field observations.	Tentative application of existing knowledge, theory and concepts to order and understand field observations.	Does not meet criteria.

Assessment criteria

Level 4

20–15 marks

(AO2 – 6; AO3 - 14)

Level 3

14–10 marks

(AO2 – 4; AO3 – 10)

Level 2

9–5 marks

(AO2 – 2; AO3 – 7)

Level 1

4–1 marks

(AO2 – 1; AO3 – 3)

No marks

To demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the techniques appropriate for analysing field data and information and for representing results, and show ability to select suitable quantitative or qualitative approaches and to apply them (AO3).

Effective demonstration of knowledge and understanding of the techniques appropriate for analysing field data and information and for representing results.

Thorough ability to select suitable quantitative or qualitative approaches and to apply them.

Precise demonstration of knowledge and understanding of the techniques appropriate for analysing field data and information and for representing results.

Clear ability to select suitable quantitative or qualitative approaches and to apply them.

Imprecise demonstration of knowledge and understanding of the techniques appropriate for analysing field data and information and for representing results.

Some ability to select suitable quantitative or qualitative approaches and to apply them.

Limited demonstration of knowledge and understanding of the techniques appropriate for analysing field data and information and for representing results.

Basic ability to select suitable quantitative or qualitative approaches and to apply them.

Does not meet criteria.

To demonstrate the ability to interrogate and critically examine field data in order to comment on its accuracy and/or the extent to which it is representative, and use the experience to extend geographical understanding (AO3).

Thorough ability to interrogate and critically examine field data in order to comment on its accuracy and/or the extent to which it is representative.

Complete use of the experience to extend geographical understanding.

Clear ability to interrogate and critically examine field data in order to comment on its accuracy and/or the extent to which it is representative.

Secure use of the experience to extend geographical understanding.

Partial ability to interrogate and critically examine field data in order to comment on its accuracy and/or the extent to which it is representative.

Inconsistent use of the experience to extend geographical understanding.

Limited ability to interrogate and critically examine field data in order to comment on its accuracy and/or the extent to which it is representative.

Tentative use of the experience to extend geographical understanding.

Does not meet criteria

To apply existing knowledge, theory and concepts to order and understand field observations (AO2).

Effective application of existing knowledge, theory and concepts to order and understand field observations.

Focused application of existing knowledge, theory and concepts to order and understand field observations.

Implicit application of existing knowledge, theory and concepts to order and understand field observations.

Tentative application of existing knowledge, theory and concepts to order and understand field observations.

Does not meet criteria.

Area 4: Conclusions, evaluation and presentation

15 marks – AO3 (strand 2): 5 marks; AO3 (strand 3): 10 marks

Assessment criteria	Level 4 15–12 marks	Level 3 11–8 marks	Level 2 7–4 marks	Level 1 3–1 marks	No marks
To show the ability to write up field results clearly and logically, using a range of presentation methods (AO3 strand 3).	Thorough ability to write up field results clearly and logically, using a range of presentation methods.	Clear ability to write up field results clearly and logically, using a range of presentation methods.	Some ability to write up field results clearly and logically, using a range of presentation methods, but with some inconsistency.	Basic ability to write up field results clearly and logically, using a range of presentation methods.	Does not meet criteria.
To evaluate and reflect on fieldwork investigations, explain how the results relate to the wider context and show an understanding of the ethical dimensions of field research (AO3 strand 2).	Effective evaluation and reflection on the fieldwork investigation. Complete explanation of how the results relate to the wider context(s). Thorough understanding of the ethical dimensions of field research.	Secure evaluation and reflection on the fieldwork investigation. Precise explanation of how the results relate to the wider context(s). Clear understanding of the ethical dimensions of field research.	Partial evaluation and reflection on the fieldwork investigation. Imprecise explanation of how the results relate to the wider context(s). Some understanding of the ethical dimensions of field research.	Tentative evaluation and reflection on the fieldwork investigation. Generalised explanation of how the results relate to the wider context(s). Limited understanding of the ethical dimensions of field research.	Does not meet criteria.
To demonstrate the ability to write a coherent analysis of fieldwork findings in order to answer a specific geographical question and to do this drawing effectively on evidence and theory to make a well-argued case (AO3 strand 3).	Thorough ability to write a coherent analysis of fieldwork findings in order to answer a specific geographical question. Draws effectively on evidence and theory to make a well-argued case.	Focused ability to write a coherent analysis of fieldwork findings in order to answer a specific geographical question. Draws explicitly on evidence and theory to make an argued case.	Partial ability to write a structured analysis of fieldwork findings in order to answer a specific geographical question. Draws inconsistently on evidence and theory to make a reasoned case.	Basic ability to write an analysis of fieldwork findings in order to answer a specific geographical question. Draws tentatively on evidence and theory to make an isolated case.	Does not meet criteria.

Assessment criteria

Level 4

15–12 marks

Level 3

11–8 marks

Level 2

7–4 marks

Level 1

3–1 marks

No marks

To show the ability to write up field results clearly and logically, using a range of presentation methods (AO3 strand 3).

Thorough ability to write up field results clearly and logically, using a range of presentation methods.

Clear ability to write up field results clearly and logically, using a range of presentation methods.

Some ability to write up field results clearly and logically, using a range of presentation methods, but with some inconsistency.

Basic ability to write up field results clearly and logically, using a range of presentation methods.

Does not meet criteria.

To evaluate and reflect on fieldwork investigations, explain how the results relate to the wider context and show an understanding of the ethical dimensions of field research (AO3 strand 2).

Effective evaluation and reflection on the fieldwork investigation.

Complete explanation of how the results relate to the wider context(s).

Thorough understanding of the ethical dimensions of field research.

Secure evaluation and reflection on the fieldwork investigation.

Precise explanation of how the results relate to the wider context(s).

Clear understanding of the ethical dimensions of field research.

Partial evaluation and reflection on the fieldwork investigation.

Imprecise explanation of how the results relate to the wider context(s).

Some understanding of the ethical dimensions of field research.

Tentative evaluation and reflection on the fieldwork investigation.

Generalised explanation of how the results relate to the wider context(s).

Limited understanding of the ethical dimensions of field research.

Does not meet criteria.

To demonstrate the ability to write a coherent analysis of fieldwork findings in order to answer a specific geographical question and to do this drawing effectively on evidence and theory to make a well-argued case (AO3 strand 3).

Thorough ability to write a coherent analysis of fieldwork findings in order to answer a specific geographical question.

Draws effectively on evidence and theory to make a well-argued case.

Focused ability to write a coherent analysis of fieldwork findings in order to answer a specific geographical question.

Draws explicitly on evidence and theory to make an argued case.

Partial ability to write a structured analysis of fieldwork findings in order to answer a specific geographical question.

Draws inconsistently on evidence and theory to make a reasoned case.

Basic ability to write an analysis of fieldwork findings in order to answer a specific geographical question.

Draws tentatively on evidence and theory to make an isolated case.

Does not meet criteria.

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