Research Methods in Geography

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

List of Figures viii List of Tables xi List of Boxes xiii List of Exercises xv Notes on Contributors xvii Acknowledgments xx 1 Introduction 1 John Paul Jones III and Basil Gomez Part I Theory and Methodology 7 2 Theorizing Our World 9 Ian Graham Ronald Shaw, Deborah P. Dixon, and John Paul Jones III 3 Observing Our World 26 Bruce L. Rhoads and David Wilson 4 Measurement and Interpretation 41 Sent Visser and John Paul Jones III 5 Operational Decisions 60 Andrew Herod and Kathleen C. Parker 6 Sampling Our World 77 Ryan R. Jensen and J. Matthew Shumway Part II Collecting Data 91 7 Physical Landscapes 93 Michael J. Crozier, Ulrike Hardenbicker, and Basil Gomez 8 Climates 116 Julie A. Winkler 9 Vegetation 137 Thomas W. Gillespie and Glen M. MacDonald 10 Remote Sensing 155 Douglas A. Stow 11 Secondary Data 173 Kevin St Martin and Marianna Pavlovskaya 12 Social Surveys, Interviews, and Focus Groups 194 Anna J. Secor 13 Ethnography and Participant Observation 206 Debbie Allsop, Hannah Allen, Helen Clare, Ian Cook, Hayley Raxter, Christina Upton, and Alice Williams 14 Cultural Landscapes 222 Richard H. Schein 15 Human-Environment Field Study 241 Paul F. Robbins Part III Representing and Analyzing 257 16 Maps and Diagrams 259 Stephen P. Hanna 17 Descriptive Statistics 279 Sent Visser and John Paul Jones III 18 Explanatory Statistics 297 Sent Visser and John Paul Jones III 19 Mathematical Analysis 315 Sandra Lach Arlinghaus 20 Regional Analysis 335 Gordon F. Mulligan 21 Modeling 354 Yvonne Martin and Stefania Bertazzon 22 Geographic Information Systems 376 Michael F. Goodchild 23 Analyzing Meaning 392 Deborah P. Dixon Part IV Obligations 409 24 The Politics and Ethics of Research 411 David M. Smith 25 Writing It Up 424 Dydia DeLyser Glossary 437 Index 451