CSEC Geography Couva East Secondary
SBA guidelines Mrs. T. Persad-Smith
S.B.A. GUIDELINES
Sections of completed studv
The completed study should have the following:
Title Page
A Strategy Sheet
Table of Contents
Introduction
Aim
Location of the Study (Maps)
Methods of Data Collection.
Presentation, Discussion of Data and Analysis
Conclusion
Bibliography
Appendix (if necessary)
TITLE PAGE (front cover and first page)
The Title Page should have the following:
SUBJECT AND PROFICIENCY
TITLE OF STUDY (AS A QUESTION)
NAME
STUDENT REGISTRATION NUMBER
NAME OF SCHOOL
SCHOOL CODE
TERRITORY
EXAMINATION YEAR
TEACHER
TABLE OF CONTENTS
The Table of Contents should have a list of headings of the content with corresponding page numbers. These page
numbers should be accurate in leading the reader to the headings in the body of the study.
INTRODUCTION
The Introduction should have three components:
i. A clear overview – give the broad area of study as given in the syllabus eg. ‘coastal landforms’
ii. A justification – ie why choose this study? What is its relevance?
iii. Area of study – narrow where in Trinidad your study area is found eg “Toco Bay, North East
Coast, Trinidad.
AIM
You must have at least one clearly stated aim. The following words can be used in the construction the aim: to
explain, describe, investigate, measure.
CSEC Geography Couva East Secondary
SBA guidelines Mrs. T. Persad-Smith
LOCATION MAPS
Requirements
At least two maps are required, three if possible
These maps must be outlined (no pencil on final map)
(i) Map 1: One small scale map of the island/country, showing the location of the study area within the
island/country.
For example, if the fieldwork was done in Diego Martin in Trinidad, or in Yallahs in Jamaica, then the location of these
areas within the respective islands should be clearly drawn and highlighted on the map.
The following are to be included in Map 1:
One line each of latitude and longitude (accurately labelled)
Surrounding water bodies
Clear Title, border, scale, compass direction and key
Highlighted area of study (in a box with an arrow pointing to it indicating ‘Subject of map 2’)
Counties (names and boundaries)
Airport
Main towns i.e. Port of Spain, San Fernando, Arima, Chaguanas, and Couva
Main rivers and swamps (well labelled)
Main roads (only those important to the study, not the country’s entire road network)
2 ranges and Trinity Hills (coloured and labelled on map)
Highest peaks (2 in Northern Range and 1 in Central Range)
Conform to standard mapping colours and symbols for all maps
(ii) Map 2: One large scale map of the site at which the field study has taken place. This should show the study area
and characteristics of the immediate environs of the study area at a large scale (1:25 000 or 1:10000), including for
example, elevation, roads, water courses, settlements and other land uses. If a third map is used then another box with
arrow is to be indicated on map 2 saying ‘Subject of map 3’
PRESENTATION OF DATA AND ANALYSIS
Steps in writing up the Presentation of Data and the Analysis sections
1. Categorize the findings.
2. Describe the data which were collected and refer to illustrations. (For example, the bar graph in Fig. - page - shows
that of the sample of 20 farms, 50% were under 5 hectares.)
3. Illustrations should be integrated with text and NOT all on one page, in between, or at the end of the written
account.
4. There should be AT LEAST two different types of illustrations of the data collected, for example, bar graphs,
pie charts, sketches, tables, labelled photographs, etc., if the use of skills is to be demonstrated. .
5. Illustrations should be relevant, accurate, numbered, clearly labelled and titled.
6. Avoid photocopied illustrations.
7. Maps drawn to illustrate location of study area will not be credited in this section for presentation of data.
8. Avoid using different forms of illustrations to represent the same data.
9. The account should be clear and well organized with well-developed points.
10. The sequence should be logical and relevant.
11. Attempts should be made to be faithful to the suggested length of the SBA which should be no more than 1000
words (approximately 10 - 12 pages, including all illustrations). This means that the account should be concise.
12. Avoid overuse of secondary data
CSEC Geography Couva East Secondary
SBA guidelines Mrs. T. Persad-Smith
CONCLUSION
This must be related to the aim. Summarize the main points brought out in the analysis and discussion. Try to aim
for at least 2 paragraphs. Ensure that no new points/information is put in the conclusion.
BIBLIOGRAPHY
Ensure the bibliography follows one of the bibliographic conventions. All in alphabetical order regardless
of type (i.e. book, website etc.).
The following are the methods suggested when referencing texts and/or other sources.
Text books (in alphabetical order by the author's surname)
Author, Title, Publisher. Place of publication. Date.
Example: Wilson, B., The Caribbean Environment, Oxford University Press, Oxford, 1989.
Other Sources
(i) Maps
Country, Scale, Sheet, Number, Date of publication
Example: Grenada, 1:50,000, D. O.S. 459.1979.
Trinidad, Arouca, 1:25,000 Sheet 24, Ed. 1- D.O.S. 1974
(ii) Encyclopaedias
Name of Encyclopaedia, Volume, Date
Example: Encyclopaedia Britannica, Volume 6, 1990.
(iii) Atlas
Name of Atlas. Place of Publication. Publisher, Date.
Example: Philip' s Certificate Atlas for the Caribbean, George Philip and Sons Ltd.,
London 1993
(iv) Internet
Name of website, Name of article, Date accessed.
Example: cxc@[Link]. SBA Guidelines. Accessed May 21, 1997.
(v) Newspapers
Name of author, article, newspaper, Date.
Example: Doe, J., "Floods Create Havoc:' The Independent, September, 19th, 1996.
If there is no Author for the article start with the first significant word in the title
APPENDIX
The appendix (if any) should have the following:
A sample of the questionnaire or interview schedule if one was used.
A sample of any instrument used to collect data
