Evaluation of my SGP
Upon the completion of my Student Geography Project (SGP) and fulfilling my aim “To investigate the impacts if the new Gerringong Bypass, Princess HWY Upgrade at Toolijooa” I am able to evaluate both my successes and issues while conducting the research. The results of preceding investigation deemed my three hypothesises to be true, with evidence provided from both secondary and primary sources, however such research did challenge my perspective of the HWY and ignite further unforeseen questions in regards to the HWY and its construction. The practices of research allowed me to develop my skills and also highlighted some issues in regards to my research methods and skills as a geographer.
With the success of fulfilling my aim and gaining evidential proof to test my hypothesises, many flaws within my practices were exposed, in both a predicted and unforeseen fashion. My research lacked a predominant sense of direction and also my topic became very localised with the progression of time, in order to resurrect this issue for future reference I would need to further refine my topic of research and perhaps broaden my perspective. However having a very localised topic, enabled easy travel to destinations, collection of data and provided me with a judicious timeframe, although my time management skills require refining. In terms of conducting research I am pleased with my personal effort, I was able to retrieve data easily. With a comprehensive, yet not excessive amount of interviewees I was able to obtain a large scope of information as each person interviewed played a different role within the community and had a varying, yet similar perspective on the HWY. In contrast to the smooth running of the interviews the survey’s proved to be more problematic. Although the surveys provided myself with detailed, and controlled information, the amount completed was deemed to be excessive. Though fifty survey’s identified to be a logical number, the review and analysis was disproportionate to the allocated timeframe. In order to correct the issue of being inundated with information, future projects with such a timeframe will require less surveys in order to be more attainable. In obtaining secondary information, the collection of data was very accessible, however in future much of the data was located on the Roads and Maritime Services (RMS) website and the vast array of information collection could have been dramatically localised. The analysing of data demonstrated an essence of difficulty. I am pleased with the aspect and variety of data I was presented with, however the amounts deemed to be excessive for the given time period. Through the analysing of data I was able to develop a greater knowledge in geographical terminology and research process. I am very pleased with the final product in regards to the interviews, background research and presentation format. Presenting such a lengthy and comprehensive projects has proven to be a task in itself, and showcasing such elements of research, data and results on a website has proven to be a flawless form of media. The completion of all aspects of this project have proven to be challenging, but a challenge I am willing to accept. This project has allowed me to create a detailed perspective of what it is like to be a geographer, improving my skills in research, communication, presentation and allowed me to delve in to aspects of not only the local community, but myself as an individual, providing a subsequent boost to self-esteem and confidence. |