Conducting Research in Human Geography: theory, methodology and practice

Description

Reading this book is your first step to becoming a competent human geography researcher. Whether you are a novice needing practical help for your first piece of research or a professional in search of an accessible guide to best practice, Conducting Research in Human Geography is a unique and indispensable book to have at hand. The book provides a broad overview of theoretical underpinnings in contemporary human geography and links these with the main research methodologies currently being used. It is designed to guide the user through the complete research process, whether it be a one day field study or a large project, from the nurturing of ideas and development of a proposal, to the design of an enquiry, the generation and analysis of data, to the drawing of conclusions and the presentation of findings. Cover Title Copyright Contents Dedication Preface Acknowledgements Chapter 1 Thinking about research 1.1 What is research? 1.2 Why do research? 1.3 What's unique about geographic research? 1.4 What choice of approaches have you got? 1.5 Which approach is best? 1.6 Summary 1.7 Questions for reflection Further reading Chapter 2 Planning a research project 2.1 Introduction 2.2 Choosing a research topic 2.3 Narrowing the focus 2.4 Linking theory and practice 2.5 Research design 2.6 Choosing a method to generate data 2.7 Choosing a method to analyse your data 2.8 Conducting group research 2.9 Managing and piloting a research project 2.10 Summary 2.11 Questions for reflection Further reading Chapter 3 Data generation for quantitative analysis 3.1 Introduction 3.2 Classifying data types and measurement scales 3.3 Generating primary quantitative data 3.4 Sampling, estimation and distribution 3.5 Obtaining and using secondary data 3.6 Summary 3.7 Questions for reflection Further reading Chapter 4 Preparing, exploring and describing quantitative data 4.1 Introduction 4.2 Data pre-processing and checking 4.3 Computer programming 4.4 Using the MINITAB statistical package 4.5 Initial data analysis 4.6 Probability 4.7 Transforming data 4.8 Summary 4.9 Questions for reflection Further reading Chapter 5 Analysing and interpreting quantitative data 5.1 Introduction 5.2 Classifying tests 5.3 Tests of significance 5.4 Choosing the right test 5.5 The tests 5.6 Parametric tests 5.7 Non-parametric tests 5.8 What do the test results tell you? 5.9 Summary 5.10 Questions for reflection Further reading Chapter 6 Spatial analysis 6.1 Introduction 6.2 Maps 6.3 Geographical Information Systems 6.4 Current issues in the use of GIS for socio-economic applications 6.5 Sources of digital spatial data 6.6 Planning and implementing analysis using GIS 6.7 Spatial statistics 6.8 Summary 6.9 Questions for reflection Further reading Chapter 7 Producing data for qualitative analysis 7.1 Introduction 7.2 Qualitative approaches 7.3 Primary data production 7.4 Specific approaches to producing qualitative data 7.5 Secondary sources of qualitative data 7.6 Summary 7.7 Questions for reflection Further reading Chapter 8 Analysing and interpreting qualitative data 8.1 Introduction 8.2 Description, classification, connection 8.3 Transcribing and annotation 8.4 Categorising qualitative data 8.5 Splitting and splicing 8.6 Linking and connecting 8.7 Corroborating evidence 8.8 Analysing qualitative data quantitatively 8.9 Summary 8.10 Questions for reflection Further reading Chapter 9 Analysing qualitative data using a computer 9.1 Introduction 9.2 Getting started and description 9.3 Classifying qualitative data using a computer 9.4 Connecting qualitative data using a computer 9.5 Summary 9.6 Questions for reflection Further reading Chapter 10 Writing-up and dissemination 10.1 Introduction 10.2 Writing as part of the research process 10.3 Writing a final report 10.4 Presenting your research as a talk 10.5 Before submitting your work 10.6 After submitting your work 10.7 Summary 10.8 Questions for reflection Further reading Chapter 11 Final words 11.1 An overview of conducting research in human geography 11.2 Coping with problems 11.3 Independent research 11.4 Epilogue 11.5 Summary Appendix A Tables Appendix B Annotation for the interviews with respondents B, C and D Appendix C Addresses References Index