2. Gather and Select Data
Stage 2:
Collecting Data
• Use appropriate data collection methods
• Ensure accuracy and reliability of data
Primary data
• Map work
o Location of data collection sites
• Sampling method
o Convenience
o Simple random
o systematic random
• Surveys or interviews
o People’s awareness and use of different mobility options
o Impact of mobility options on people
o Improvements that can be made to the mobility options
• Field notes (e.g., types and level of activity at a train station during peak periods)
• Field sketches (e.g., features of new concept bus stop)
• Images (e.g., photographs of activities in town on a car-free Sunday)
Secondary data
• Online/library research
o Strategies taken by authorities or service providers in Singapore (e.g., Land Transport Authority)
GI Question:
"What makes Waterway Point special to the residents in the Punggol neighbourhood?"
Gather secondary data through library and online research
Secondary data refers to data that is published or collected by someone else in the past. Sources of secondary data include newspaper articles, brochures, online articles, books, magazine etc.
To help us conduct a geographical investigation in the Punggol neighbouthood to answer the GI question above, we need to first gather secondary data on Punggol New Town.
In your research, you need to investigate at least the following guiding questions:
What is the profile of the residents, the history, development and characteristics of the Punggol neighbourhood?
Profile
https://www.citypopulation.de/en/singapore/admin/303__punggol/
History and development
https://www.hdb.gov.sg/cs/infoweb/about-us/history/hdb-towns-your-home/punggol
https://www.ura.gov.sg/Corporate/Planning/Master-Plan/Urban-Transformations/Punggol-Digital-District
What are the reasons and characteristics (e.g., natural, cultural, aesthetical design) of places that may make it special to different groups of residents in the Punggol neighbourhood?
Waterfront housing
Town hub
https://www.channelnewsasia.com/news/singapore/punggol-town-hub-2021-hawker-centre-library-10800152
Smart town
https://www.jtc.gov.sg/news-and-publications/press-releases/Pages/20200117(PR1).aspx
Through your research on the above guiding questions, it should help you understand that different residents may feel differently about Waterway Point in the Punggol neighbourhood for various reasons. You would also gain a better understanding of the Punggol neighbourhood for this GI. This information will help you when you collect primary data and analyse data at the later stages of the GI.
Do remember to provide references of the materials you consulted. It is important to acknowledge the origin of your information, as it lends credibility to your work by showing evidence of your research. In addition, it enables your readers to locate your information sources.
Gathering primary data through fieldwork
Primary data refers to information that is observed or collected directly from first-hand experience.
Your group will need to carry out a series of activities to collect primary data to help you answer your GI question. There are three phases to do so:
Phase 1: Pre-fieldwork
Your group will need to do the following in class:
i. Familarize yourself with the field site (ie. Waterway Point) using maps of the Punggol neighbourhood;
ii. Construct a questionnaire and conduct interviews; and
iii. Decide on your sampling method and sampling size.
What is sampling?
A process used in statistical analysis in which a predetermined number of observations will be taken from a larger population. The methodology used to sample from a larger population will depend on the type of analysis being performed, but will include simple random sampling, systematic sampling and observational sampling. The sample should be a representation of the general population.
(http://www.answers.com/topic/sampling#ixzz1Kbez4NBm)
Why sample?
It is impossible and unnecessary for you to interview all the visitors you see.
How to sample?
a) Avoid bias when designing the sampling frame and time
b) Choose a representative sample across different ages, gender and any other relevant factors.
c) Avoid very small sample sizes (50-200 is an ideal and manageable size)
Types of Sampling
Random sampling - respondent selected based on a random number table.
Advantage - Each member of the population has an equal and known chance of being selected and avoids bias. This can be used for large population.
Disadvantage -When there are very large populations, it is often difficult or impossible to identify every member of the population, so the pool of available subjects becomes biased.
Systematic sampling - After the required sample size has been calculated, every Nth respondent is selected from a list of population members. The respondent can be regularly numbered, for example every 10th person.
Its advantage over the random sampling technique is that it is more straight forward and simple.
The disadvantages are that it is more biased, as not all members or points have an equal chance of being selected and that it may therefore lead to over or under representation of a particular pattern
Stratified sampling is commonly used probability method that is superior to random sampling because it reduces sampling error. A stratum is a subset of the population that share at least one common characteristic. Examples of stratums might be males and females, Punggol residents and non-Punggol residents. The relevant stratums and their actual representation in the population is first identified. Random sampling is then used to select a sufficient number of subjects from each stratum. "Sufficient" refers to a sample size large enough for us to be reasonably confident that the stratum represents the population. Stratified sampling is often used when one or more of the stratums in the population have a low incidence relative to the other stratums.The population can be divided into known groups, and each group sampled using a systematic approach. The number sampled in each group should be in proportion to its known size in the parent population. For example: the make-up of different social groups in the population of a town can be obtained, and then the number of questionnaires carried out in different parts of the town can be stratified in line with this information. A systematic approach can still be used by asking every fifth person.
The advantages are :
It can be used with random or systematic sampling.
If the proportions of the sub-sets are known, it can generate results which are more representative of the whole population
Correlations and comparisons can be made between sub-sets
The disadvantages of stratified sampling are:
The proportions of the sub-sets must be known and accurate if it is to work properly
It can be hard to stratify questionnaire data collection as accurate up to date population data may not be available and it may be hard to identify people's age or social background effectively
Source: http://changingminds.org/explanations/research/sampling/choosing_sampling.htm
Before going down to Waterway Point to conduct your fieldwork, ensure that you have brought along the following materials:
Recording sheets and survey questionnaire;
Paper and writing materials;
Plastic cover for your recording sheet in case of sudden downpour;
Camera;
Mosquito repellent / sun block (if applicable);
Cap, poncho or umbrella; and
Water bottle.
Phase 2: During fieldwork
When conducting the fieldwork, you will need to do the following:
i. Follow the safety guidelines and conduct (refer to the Annex on page 2-3);
ii. Remind each other on group member’s allocated responsibilities; and
iii. Stay on task and complete the fieldwork activities within the given time frame.
Complete the field sketch
Field sketch of Waterway Point Mall and neighbourhood in Punggol
Date: _____________ Time: ____________ Location: ________________
Phase 3: Post-fieldwork
At the end of the fieldwork, ensure that you have completed the following before you leave the field site (ie. Compass Point):
i. Filled up the recording sheets; and
ii. Filled up the reflection exercise worksheet.