Question 1

What is NCEA AS 91430 about?

Accepted Answer

This standard asks you to run your own geographic research project about a real place or environment, collect your own data (like surveys or measurements), and present your findings using maps, graphs and diagrams. You'll need to explain what you found, connect it to geography concepts, and reflect on whether your research method was reliable.

Question 2

What do students need to do for AS 91430?

Accepted Answer

1. Identify a clear research aim and plan how you'll collect your own primary data (surveys, interviews, observations, measurements, photos, or sketches) 2. Collect and record primary data yourself, either alone or in a group 3. Present your data individually using correct geographic conventions and terminology (annotated maps, graphs, annotated photos, or diagrams) 4. Analyse your findings by connecting them to relevant geographic concepts and ideas 5. Write conclusions that answer your research aim and evaluate whether your research method was sound and how this affects what you can trust about your results

Question 3

What's the difference between Achieved, Merit, and Excellence for AS 91430?

Accepted Answer

Achieved: You conduct the full research process from aim through to evaluation, collect primary data, present it properly with geographic conventions, analyse findings using geographic concepts, and assess how reliable your research method was. Merit: You present your data effectively using correct terminology, analyse findings in detail by consistently linking them to geographic concepts, write detailed conclusions that fully address your aim, and thoroughly evaluate how your research method affected the validity of your findings. Excellence: You critically analyse findings by deeply incorporating geographic concepts, and critically evaluate your research process by discussing alternative methods you could have used and what impact those choices would have had on your results.

Question 4

What mistakes do students typically make in AS 91430?

Accepted Answer

1. Not collecting enough primary data or relying too heavily on secondary data—this standard requires you to gather most of your data yourself 2. Presenting data without proper geographic conventions, terminology, or labels (like missing scale bars on maps, unclear axis labels on graphs) 3. Analysing findings without actually connecting them to geographic concepts—just describing what you found isn't enough; you need to explain why it matters geographically

Geographic research

Your assessment resources

More in this subject

Other Geography standards · Level 3 · Year 13

Foundations — Geography Level 2 · Year 12

Related standards

Videos & study resources