Using Evidence (Figures, Maps, Quotes)

Types of Evidence

In geography, using evidence effectively is key to evaluating issues. The main types of evidence you will encounter are:

• Figures: These include statistics and numerical data such as percentages, rates, or totals. They help quantify the scale or impact of an issue.
• Maps: Visual representations showing locations, spatial patterns, or distributions. Maps use symbols and scales to convey information about places or phenomena.
• Quotes: Statements from experts, eyewitnesses, or stakeholders. They provide opinions, experiences, or explanations that add depth to the evidence.

Interpreting Figures

When working with figures, it’s important to:

• Identify trends and patterns: Look for increases, decreases, peaks, or steady changes over time or between groups.
• Compare data sets: See how different figures relate to each other, such as comparing urban and rural populations or economic indicators across regions.
• Consider reliability and source: Check where the data comes from (government, NGOs, research) and whether it is recent and trustworthy.

For instance, if a figure shows that unemployment in a region fell from $8\%$ to $5\%$ over five years, this indicates an improving job market. However, if the source is outdated or biased, the figure’s reliability may be questionable.

Example: A table shows the percentage of households with internet access in three UK regions:

• London: $90\%$
• North East: $75\%$
• South West: $80\%$

From this, you can identify that London has the highest access, suggesting better digital connectivity, while the North East lags behind, possibly indicating a digital divide.

Using Maps Effectively

Maps provide spatial evidence that can strengthen your evaluation. To use maps well:

• Understand symbols and scale: Know what each symbol means (e.g., dots for towns, lines for roads) and use the scale to estimate distances or area sizes.
• Analyse spatial distribution: Look for clusters, patterns, or gaps in the data shown on the map. For example, are certain features concentrated in one area?
• Link map evidence to issues: Explain how the spatial patterns relate to the geographical issue you are evaluating.

For example, a map showing flood risk zones can help explain why some communities are more vulnerable to flooding than others, based on their location.

Example: A map shows areas of high air pollution in a UK city concentrated near major roads and industrial zones. This spatial pattern suggests traffic and industry are key pollution sources.

Incorporating Quotes

Quotes add a human or expert voice to your evaluation. To use them effectively:

• Support arguments: Use quotes to back up your points with authoritative or eyewitness evidence.
• Provide different perspectives: Include quotes from various stakeholders to show multiple sides of an issue.
• Evaluate credibility: Consider who is speaking and their expertise or experience to judge how reliable the quote is.

For example, a quote from a local farmer about changing rainfall patterns can provide insight into climate change impacts on agriculture.

Example: "The new housing development has brought more jobs but also increased traffic congestion," says the local council leader. This quote highlights both positive and negative effects.

Applying Evidence in Evaluation

When evaluating an issue, evidence must be used to support both advantages and disadvantages:

• Use evidence to support pros and cons: Balance your answer by showing evidence for different viewpoints.
• Balance different types of evidence: Combine figures, maps, and quotes to create a well-rounded argument.
• Integrate evidence into conclusions: Use the evidence you have analysed to justify your final judgement or opinion.

For example, you might use figures showing economic growth to support a development’s benefits, but maps showing environmental damage and quotes from residents to highlight drawbacks.

Example: When evaluating a new transport scheme, figures might show reduced travel times (pro), maps could reveal areas where green space is lost (con), and quotes from commuters and environmentalists provide contrasting views.

For instance, if a figure shows that the average rainfall in a region is $800\,\mathrm{mm}$ per year, this suggests a relatively wet climate which could influence agricultural practices.