Research Methods in Geography A Critical Introduction

by Gomez, Basil; Jones, John Paul

• ISBN13: 9781405107112
• ISBN10: 1405107111
• Edition: 1st
• Format: Paperback
• Copyright: 2010-05-10
• Publisher: Wiley-Blackwell

Summary

This comprehensive textbook offers a conceptual and practical introduction to research methodology, data collection, and techniques used in both human and physical geography. Explores a full range of contemporary geographic techniques, including statistics, mathematical analysis, GIS, and remote sensing Unique in both content and organization, it brings together a team of internationally recognized specialists to create a balanced approach between physical geography, human geography, and research techniques Includes a series of foundational chapters offering multiple perspectives on the central questions in research methods Examines the conceptual frameworks and practical issues behind data acquisition and analysis, and how to interpret results Includes explanations of key terminology and exercises throughout

Author Biography

Basil Gomez is Professor of Geography and Geology at Indiana State University and an Editor-in-Chief of the online journal Geography Compass.
John Paul Jones III is Professor of Geography and Dean of the College of Social and Behavioral Sciences at the University of Arizona in Tucson. He is Editor of the Wiley-Blackwell series Critical Introductions to Geography

Table of Contents

List of Figures	p. viii
List of Tables	p. xi
List of Boxes	p. xiii
List of Exercises	p. xv
Notes on Contributors	p. xvii
Acknowledgments	p. xx
Introduction	p. 1
Theory and Methodology	p. 7
Theorizing Our World	p. 9
Observing Our World	p. 26
Measurement and Interpretation	p. 41
Operational Decisions	p. 60
Sampling Our World	p. 77
Collecting Data	p. 91
Physical Landscapes	p. 93
Climates	p. 116
Vegetation	p. 137
Remote Sensing	p. 155
Secondary Data	p. 173
Social Surveys, Interviews, and Focus Groups	p. 194
Ethnography and Participant Observation	p. 206
Cultural Landscapes	p. 222
Human-Environment Field Study	p. 241
Representing and Analyzing	p. 257
Maps and Diagrams	p. 259
Descriptive Statistics	p. 279
Explanatory Statistics	p. 297
Mathematical Analysis	p. 315
Regional Analysis	p. 335
Modeling	p. 354
Geographic Information Systems	p. 376
Analyzing Meaning	p. 392
Obligations	p. 409
The Politics and Ethics of Research	p. 411
Writing It Up	p. 424
Glossary	p. 437
Index	p. 451
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