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'The changing character of a place over time is more effectively represented by statistical and cartographical sources than artistic sources such as painting, poetry and photography.' With reference to either your local or distant place, critically assess the extent to which you agree with this statement. - AQA - A-Level Geography - Question 2 - 2018 - Paper 2
Question 2
'The changing character of a place over time is more effectively represented by statistical and cartographical sources than artistic sources such as painting, poetry... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:'The changing character of a place over time is more effectively represented by statistical and cartographical sources than artistic sources such as painting, poetry and photography.' With reference to either your local or distant place, critically assess the extent to which you agree with this statement. - AQA - A-Level Geography - Question 2 - 2018 - Paper 2
Step 1
Knowledge and understanding of the changing character of a place
Answer
To understand the changing character of a place, we must first define what constitutes 'character.' This includes social, economic, and environmental factors. Statistical sources, such as census data, can provide insights into demographic changes, employment trends, and shifts in land use that quantitatively represent changes over time. For instance, an increase in population density can be illustrated through demographic statistics and mapped data, showing where urban developments have occurred.
Conversely, artistic sources like paintings and poetry capture subjective experiences and perceptions of a place. While they may not provide hard data, they reflect the emotional and cultural significance of places that statistics often overlook. For example, a painting of a local landscape may convey the beauty and nostalgia associated with a rural area, even as it undergoes change due to urbanization.
Step 2
Evaluation of statistical and cartographical sources
Answer
Statistical sources, such as census data, provide an objective measure of changes in a place. They can demonstrate shifts in population demographics, employment rates, and land-use changes, leading to conclusions that may guide urban planning and policy decisions.
Cartographical sources, such as maps, offer visual representations that can indicate transformations over time. However, the reliability of historical maps is often questioned since they may contain inaccuracies or omit features that have changed. For example, older maps may not accurately depict current land use or show evolving infrastructure.
While these quantitative sources effectively represent change, they may lack the nuanced understanding that artistic expressions offer.
Step 3
Assessment of artistic sources
Answer
Artistic sources contribute a rich, qualitative dimension by portraying the lived experiences and emotions tied to a place. Paintings, poetry, and photography can illustrate the cultural identity of a community and evoke feelings that statistics cannot capture. For instance, a poem may articulate the deep connection of individuals with their environment, showcasing sentiments of loss or celebration as landscapes evolve.
While artistic sources may not provide direct evidence of change, they highlight the subjective experiences that statistics might overlook, thus serving an essential role in understanding the character of a place.
Step 4
Critical assessment of the representation of changing places
Answer
In assessing the effectiveness of both types of sources in representing changing places, it's essential to recognize that they serve different purposes. Statistical and cartographical sources offer objective data that can inform decision-making, while artistic sources enrich our understanding of the human experience within these settings. Both complement each other: statistical sources provide the framework of change, while artistic representations invite emotional engagement.
Ultimately, I agree with the statement to the extent that statistical and cartographical sources can effectively convey changes in a place over time, yet artistic sources should not be undervalued for their role in enriching our interpretation of these changes.