A STUDY INTO THE INFLUENCE OF FIELD STUDY ON ACADEMIC PERFORMANCE OF GEOGRAPHY STUDENTS (CASE STUDY OF GEOGRAPHY DEPARTMENT, UNIBEN).

A STUDY INTO THE INFLUENCE OF FIELD STUDY ON ACADEMIC PERFORMANCE OF GEOGRAPHY STUDENTS (CASE STUDY OF GEOGRAPHY DEPARTMENT, UNIBEN).

Chapter one

INTRODUCTION

1.1 Background of the Study

Field research is the gathering of information outside of a laboratory, library, or workplace setting (Wikipedia, 2016). The methodology and methods utilised in field research differ by discipline.

Biologists, for example, may simply see animals interacting with their surroundings, but social scientists may interview or observe people in their natural environs in order to learn about their languages, folklore, and social structure.

Geographers, on the other hand, conduct field studies on the Earth’s lands, features, inhabitants, and phenomena. Field research employs a variety of well-defined, albeit variable, methods, including informal interviews, direct observation, group participation, collective discussions, analyses of personal documents produced within the group, self-analysis, results from activities conducted off- or online, and life histories (Glaser, 1995).

Although the method is often referred to as qualitative research, it may (and frequently does) include quantitative components.

The quality of field study outcomes is determined by the data collected in the field. The data, in turn, are determined by the field worker, his or her level of commitment, and capacity to observe and visualise things that other visitors to the region of research may overlook.

The more open researchers are to new ideas, concepts, and things that they may not have encountered in their own culture, the better their ability to absorb those ideas.

Better comprehension of such material leads to a better knowledge of the factors at work in the area and how they affect the lives of the individuals being studied (Abu, 1998).

When humans are the topic of study, protocols must be developed to prevent the potential of observer bias and the acquisition of overly theoretical or idealised explanations of how cultures work (Bourdieu 1999).

Field study methods include participant observation, data collecting, and survey research, as opposed to what is commonly referred to as experimental or laboratory research.

Geography, which literally means “earth description,” is a science that studies the territories, characteristics, populations, and phenomena of Earth.

Four historical traditions in geographical research include spatial analysis of natural and human events (geography as the study of distribution), area studies (places and regions), the human-land link, and Earth science research.

Nonetheless, modern geography is a broad subject that strives to comprehend the Earth and all of its human and environmental complexities—not just where things are, but also how they changed and came to be. Geography has been described as “the world discipline” and “the link between the human and physical sciences.”

Geography is separated into two categories: human geography and physical geography (Wikipedia 2016). Field studies provide an adequate examination of these branches of geography.

1.2 Statement of the Problem

Field study has been shown to provide geography students with a clear physical understanding because it is central to geographical research and includes broad area surveys (including aerial surveys), more localised site surveys (including photographic, drawn, and geophysical surveys, as well as exercises like field walking), and excavation.

In the Earth and atmospheric sciences, field studies are field experiments (such as the VORTEX projects) that use in situ instruments.

Permanent observation networks are also maintained for various purposes, however they are not always classified as field studies, nor are permanent remote sensing installations. This study investigates the impact of field study on the academic performance of geography students.

1.3 Objectives of the Study

The aims of this investigation are as follows:

1. To investigate the impact of field studies on the academic performance of geography students.

2. To investigate the role of field study in the comprehension of geography as a topic.

3. Identify the limitations of field study in geography.

1.4 RESEARCH QUESTIONS.

1. How does field study affect the academic achievement of geography students?

2. How does field study affect students’ comprehension of geography as a subject?

3. What are the constraints of fieldwork in geography?

1.5 Hypothesis.

HO: There is no substantial association between field studies and academic achievement of geography students.

HA: There is a considerable association between fieldwork and academic achievement of geography students.

1.6 Significance of the Study

The following are the implications of this study:

1. The project’s findings will inform geography educators, geography students, and the general public on the impact of field study on geography students’ academic achievement.

2. This study will contribute to the body of literature on the effect of personality traits on student academic achievement, thereby establishing an empirical foundation for future research in the field.

1.7 Scope/Limitations of the Study

This study will look at field studies and their impact on the academic performance of geography students at the University of Benin.

Limitations of the study

Financial constraints- Insufficient funds tend to restrict the researcher’s efficiency in accessing relevant resources, literature, or information, as well as in data collecting (internet, questionnaire, and interview).

Time constraints: The researcher will conduct this investigation while also working on other academic projects. This will reduce the amount of time spent on research.