An Introduction to Scientific Research Methods in Geography and Environmental Studies

Author: Daniel Montello
Publisher: SAGE
ISBN: 1446291219
Category : Reference
Languages : en
Pages : 398

Book Description
"Covers a broad range of subjects that undergraduates in the discipline should be familiar and comfortable with upon graduation. From chapters on the scientific method and fundamental research concepts, to experimental design, sampling and statistical analysis, the text offers an excellent introduction to the key concepts of geographical research. The content is applicable for students at the beginning of their studies right through to planning and conducting dissertations. The book has also been of particular support in designing my level 1 and 2 tutorials which cover similar ground to several of the chapters." - Joseph Mallalieu, School of Geography, Leeds University "Montello and Sutton is one of the best texts I′ve used in seminars on research methodology. The text offers a clear balance of quantitative vs. qualitative and physical vs. human which I′ve found particularly valuable. The chapters on research ethics, scientific communication, information technologies and data visualization are excellent." - Kenneth E. Foote, Department of Geography, University of Colorado at Boulder This is a broad and integrative introduction to the conduct and interpretation of scientific research, covering both geography and environmental studies. Written for undergraduate and postgraduate students, it: Explains both the conceptual and the technical aspects of research, as well as all phases of the research process Combines approaches in physical geography and environmental science, human geography and human-environment relations, and geographic and environmental information techniques (such as GIS, cartography, and remote sensing) Combines natural and social scientific approaches common to subjects in geography and environmental studies Includes case studies of actual research projects to demonstrate the breadth of approaches taken It will be core reading for students studying scientific research methods in geography, environmental studies and related disciplines such as planning and earth science.

An Introduction to Scientific Research Methods in Geography

Author: Daniel Montello
Publisher: SAGE Publications, Incorporated
ISBN: 9781412902861
Category : Science
Languages : en
Pages : 320

Book Description
This text provides a broad and integrative introduction to the conduct and interpretation of scientific research in geography. It covers both conceptual and technical aspects, and is applicable to all topical areas in geographic research, including human and physical geography, and geographic information science. The text discusses all parts of the research process, including scientific philosophy; basic research concepts; generating research ideas; communicating research and using library resources; sampling and research design; quantitative and qualitative data collection; data analysis, display, and interpretation; reliability and validity; using geographic information techniques in research; and ethical conduct in research.

The Handbook of Geographic Information Science

Author: John P. Wilson
Publisher: John Wiley & Sons
ISBN: 0470766530
Category : Science
Languages : en
Pages : 656

Book Description
This Handbook is an essential reference and a guide to the rapidly expanding field of Geographic Information Science. Designed for students and researchers who want an in-depth treatment of the subject, including background information Comprises around 40 substantial essays, each written by a recognized expert in a particular area Covers the full spectrum of research in GIS Surveys the increasing number of applications of GIS Predicts how GIS is likely to evolve in the near future

Key Methods in Geography

Author: Nicholas Clifford
Publisher: SAGE Publications
ISBN: 1412935091
Category : Science
Languages : en
Pages : 569

Book Description
"Its range is far broader than the majority of methods texts, being concerned with both human and physical geography... Given the seriousness with which Key Methods in Geography approaches all aspects of research, it will continue to find wide favour among undergraduate geographers." - Times Higher Education Textbook Guide "All geographers, whatever their interest, need to do research. This book will help them get started in the best possible way, with thoughtful advice on everything from project design, through choice of methods, to data analysis and presentation. The editors have assembled an impressive array of authors, all experts in their chosen field." - Tim Burt, University of Durham "Excellent book. Valuable teaching aid. Well written and covers a wide range of methods thoroughly." - Sue Rodway-Dyer, Exeter University "This is an excellent book and deals with a number of topics (which I teach) outside of the tutorial module where it is a recommended text for geographers. A very useful textbook throughout a 3 year Geography programme." - Ian Harris, Bangor University Key Methods in Geography is an introduction to the principal methodological issues involved in the collection, analysis and presentation of geographical information. It is unique in the reference literature for providing an overview of qualitative and quantitative methods for human and physical geography. An accessible primer, it will be used by students as a reference throughout their degree, on all issues from research design to presentation. This second edition has been fully revised and updated and includes new chapters on internet mediated research, diaries as a research method, making observations and measurements in the field, and the analysis of natural systems. Organized into four sections: Getting Started in Geographical Research; Generating and Working with Data in Human Geography; Generating and Working with Data in Physical Geography; Representing and Interpreting Geographical Data; each chapter comprises: A short definition A summary of the principal arguments A substantive 5,000-word discussion Use of real-life examples Annotated notes for further reading. The teaching of research methods is integral to all geography courses: Key Methods in Geography, 2nd Edition explains all of the key methods with which geography undergraduates must be conversant.

Quantitative Geography

Author: Richard Harris
Publisher: SAGE
ISBN: 1473933382
Category : Science
Languages : en
Pages : 387

Book Description
Numerical data are everywhere. Charts and statistics appear not just in geography journals but also in the media, in public policy, and in business and commerce too. To engage with quantitative geography, we must engage with the quantitative methods used to collect, analyse, present and interpret these data. Quantitative Geography: The Basics is the perfect introduction for undergraduates beginning any quantitative methods course. Written in short, user-friendly chapters with full-colour diagrams, the book guides the reader through a wide range of topics from the basic to the more advanced, including: Statistics Maths Graphics Models Mapping and GIS R Closely aligned with the Q-Step quantitative social science programme, Quantitative Geography: The Basics is the ideal starting point for understanding and exploring this fundamental area of Geography.

Research Methods in Outdoor Studies

Author: Barbara Humberstone
Publisher: Routledge
ISBN: 0429581629
Category : Education
Languages : en
Pages : 369

Book Description
Over the last two decades Outdoor Studies has emerged as an innovative and vibrant field of study. This is the first book to offer a comprehensive appraisal of established and cutting-edge research methods as applied to Outdoor Studies. Covering qualitative, quantitative and mixed methods, the book examines key methodologies, themes and technologies such as digital research, mobile methodologies, ethnography, interviews, research design, research ethics and ways of disseminating research. Featuring contributions from leading researchers from a variety of disciplinary backgrounds, this is an essential text for any Outdoor Studies course or for researchers looking for innovative and creative research techniques.

Rediscovering Geography

Author: National Research Council
Publisher: National Academies Press
ISBN: 0309051991
Category : Education
Languages : en
Pages : 260

Book Description
As political, economic, and environmental issues increasingly spread across the globe, the science of geography is being rediscovered by scientists, policymakers, and educators alike. Geography has been made a core subject in U.S. schools, and scientists from a variety of disciplines are using analytical tools originally developed by geographers. Rediscovering Geography presents a broad overview of geography's renewed importance in a changing world. Through discussions and highlighted case studies, this book illustrates geography's impact on international trade, environmental change, population growth, information infrastructure, the condition of cities, the spread of AIDS, and much more. The committee examines some of the more significant tools for data collection, storage, analysis, and display, with examples of major contributions made by geographers. Rediscovering Geography provides a blueprint for the future of the discipline, recommending how to strengthen its intellectual and institutional foundation and meet the demand for geographic expertise among professionals and the public.

Social Science Research

Author: Anol Bhattacherjee
Publisher: CreateSpace
ISBN: 9781475146127
Category : Science
Languages : en
Pages : 156

Book Description
This book is designed to introduce doctoral and graduate students to the process of conducting scientific research in the social sciences, business, education, public health, and related disciplines. It is a one-stop, comprehensive, and compact source for foundational concepts in behavioral research, and can serve as a stand-alone text or as a supplement to research readings in any doctoral seminar or research methods class. This book is currently used as a research text at universities on six continents and will shortly be available in nine different languages.

Research Methods in Geography

Author: Basil Gomez
Publisher: John Wiley & Sons
ISBN: 1444327739
Category : Science
Languages : en
Pages : 480

Book Description
This comprehensive textbook offers a conceptual and practicalintroduction to research methodology, data collection, andtechniques used in both human and physical geography. Explores a full range of contemporary geographic techniques,including statistics, mathematical analysis, GIS, and remotesensing Unique in both content and organization, it brings together ateam of internationally recognized specialists to create a balancedapproach between physical geography, human geography, and researchtechniques Includes a series of foundational chapters offering multipleperspectives on the central questions in research methods Examines the conceptual frameworks and practical issues behinddata acquisition and analysis, and how to interpret results Includes explanations of key terminology and exercisesthroughout

Geographic Citizen Science Design

Author: Artemis Skarlatidou
Publisher: UCL Press
ISBN: 1787356124
Category : Science
Languages : en
Pages : 400

Book Description
Little did Isaac Newton, Charles Darwin and other ‘gentlemen scientists’ know, when they were making their scientific discoveries, that some centuries later they would inspire a new field of scientific practice and innovation, called citizen science. The current growth and availability of citizen science projects and relevant applications to support citizen involvement is massive; every citizen has an opportunity to become a scientist and contribute to a scientific discipline, without having any professional qualifications. With geographic interfaces being the common approach to support collection, analysis and dissemination of data contributed by participants, ‘geographic citizen science’ is being approached from different angles. Geographic Citizen Science Design takes an anthropological and Human-Computer Interaction (HCI) stance to provide the theoretical and methodological foundations to support the design, development and evaluation of citizen science projects and their user-friendly applications. Through a careful selection of case studies in the urban and non-urban contexts of the Global North and South, the chapters provide insights into the design and interaction barriers, as well as on the lessons learned from the engagement of a diverse set of participants; for example, literate and non-literate people with a range of technical skills, and with different cultural backgrounds. Looking at the field through the lenses of specific case studies, the book captures the current state of the art in research and development of geographic citizen science and provides critical insight to inform technological innovation and future research in this area.