Research Methods in Geography
A Critical Introduction
Critical Introductions to Geography
1. Edition April 2010
480 Pages, Hardcover
Wiley & Sons Ltd
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 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
comprehensive 'travel guide' across the discipline's vast and
diverse intellectual terrain is remarkable for its breadth, depth,
and scope."
--Jonathan D. Phillips, University of Kentucky
"This vibrant and engaging collection takes students through the
research process from conceptual foundations to writing, making
this book an ideal guide for those undertaking their first research
project."
--Joanne P. Sharp, University of Glasgow
"This excellent text, giving both a synoptic and detailed
treatment of the subject, and written by some of the most respected
geographers in the field, will be extremely useful for all flavors
of methods courses in geography. It will also be a valuable
reference for students and faculty alike, whether in the human
geography, physical geography, or geographic information science
realm."
--Dawn Wright, Oregon State University
Geography Compass. He has published widely across a number
of journals.
John Paul Jones III is Professor of Geography and
Director of the School of Geography and Development at the
University of Arizona in Tucson. He was the co-founder and
co-director of the Committee on Social Theory at the University of
Kentucky, where he taught from 1986 to 2003. He is co-editor of the
journal Dialogues in Human Geography.
