Key Methods in Geography (review)

Key Methods in Geography covers different components of conducting geographical research: research design, literature review, ethical practices and requirements, collection/visualization/interpretation/analyis of qualitative and quantitative data, and disseminating research findings. Given the inter-disciplinary nature of geographical research—research that covers a diverse range of philosophies, that explores the human and physical environments and their interactions, and that attempts to plan for the future, all at varying scales of analysis using numerous technologies and techniques—this book would be useful for students/researchers/professionals alike.

The book is organized into four sections, each comprising a number of chapters, which can either be read individually or sequentially. The first section (four chapters) discusses conducting geographical research. Chapter 1 discusses research design, including the need, pertinence and philosophies of research design, formulation of research questions, data requirements and production, and research results dissemination. Chapter 2 discusses the literature review, explains its purpose, how to identify potential literature sources (e.g. library, internet), conduct an online search for literature, and select relevant sources. Chapter 3 covers ethical issues in geographical research, the reason for maintaining research integrity, and dealing with ethical dilemmas. Finally, chapter 4 discusses planning successful and efficient fieldwork, including managing health and safety to reduce adversities and untoward incidents.

The second section (10 chapters) covers research in human geography. Chapter 5 introduces secondary data sets and their sources (e.g. U.S. Census), and their potential usage in research. This chapter also discusses the issues associated with using such data sets (for example, the U.S. Census does not provide 100 percent sample data at all census scales of analysis for all variables). Chapter 6 discusses questionnaire surveys as a primary data source, suggesting when the method is appropriate and offering guidelines about formulating research relevant questions, strategies for conducting questionnaire surveys, and sample size. Chapter 7 introduces readers to archival and historical data sources, discussing their use as potential data sources and strategies for locating relevant sources. An introduction to semi-structured interviews and focus groups, and a discussion of formulating questions, selecting participants, and transcribing answers for analysis are presented in Chapter 8. Chapter 9 discusses participant observation as a primary data collection technique, addressing determining participants (i.e. players and conductors), using field notes and video transcripts as recording instruments, and transcribing observations for analysis. Chapter 10 covers using visual imagery to conduct cultural and human geographical research, and discusses the identification of appropriate visual images for research, and interpretation of images based on certain characteristics. Chapter 11 discusses Participatory Action Research (PAR), identifying participants, interacting with participants to design research questions and data collection techniques, and the challenges and advantages of this approach. Chapter 12 addresses the challenges and advantages of working with culturally and linguistically diverse groups of participants. Chapter 13 discusses advantages, limitations of and ethical issues related to using the internet to conduct questionnaire and survey based research. Chapter 14 covers using diaries (written, photographic, video, etc.) as primary data sources and the steps required, starting from identifying participants to transcribing data for analysis.

The book’s third section (6 chapters) focuses on research in physical geography. Chapter 15 discusses proxy sources for obtaining historical data (e.g. tree rings, lake sediments, ice cores, etc.), analyzing and calibrating such data, and the challenges of using them. Chapter 16 covers field-work and examines issues with its design, such as considering scales of analysis, controlling for independent variables, choosing appropriate sample sizes and sample sites, and calibrating measurement instruments to collect good primary data. Chapter 17 provides a detailed discussion about sampling and sampling techniques (probability vs. non-probability), identifying good samples, and selecting sample sizes to maximize accuracy and precision and minimize bias in research. Chapter 18 discusses the challenges of conceptualizing open and closed natural systems and the importance of space and time in identifying key variables contributing to interactions between components of natural systems. Chapter...