UNIT ONE
BASIC RESEARCH METHODOLOGIES IN GEOGRAPHY
1.1. DEFINATION AND CONCEPT
The term research comes from French word “cerchier” which means to
search of seek. Therefore, research means to seek again with a view to
becoming certain.
Research is a systematic inquiry into causes or discovery of new facts
through planned and organized effort that requires time, money and skill.
1.2. The Significance of Research
Identifies the causes and extents of problems
Adds body of knowledge
Visualize the difference between the real and formulated theory
Provides basis for additional investigations
Aids to formulating policy
1.3. Approaches of Research (Qualitative and Quantitative)
There are two basic approaches to research. Their difference is mainly in
the attributes to be measured and techniques to be used for collecting and
analyzing data.
A. Quantitative Approach
It is used to verify a given theory (concepts are translated to variables
that can be measured with statistical methods).
It can be employed by another researcher for different objectives.
Example: the decrease in population density as one travels from center of
the city to edges.
In the above example distance from the center is determining variable
(influences the variation of other phenomena).
Quantitative approach is subdivided into
1. Inferential approach: uses existing data base and infers
characteristics.
2. Experimental approach: manipulates variables to see their effects on
other variables. It requires considerable control over the environment.
3. Simulation (model) approach: involves constructing control over the
environment.
Example of algebraic model: S = f (Pm, S1, Cl…etc.) where S = soil, S1 = slope,
Pm = parent materials and Cl = climate
Note: In this approach, hypothesis regarding an existing theory are
established and tested. And also mathematical analysis is used.
B. Qualitative approach
Data are used to explain new theory.
Quantitative techniques are not employed.
The common techniques are – group interviews
- Questionnaires
- Personal observations
Example: Differences between urban and rural populations of Ethiopia
Effects of harsh climate on human activity
1.4. THE NATURE OF GEOGRAPHIC RESEARCH
In the 18th century, geography’s focus shifted from locations of places and
people to the physical and human characteristics of places in our world.
In the mid-20th century, geographical research focused mainly on
- The spatial distribution of phenomena and things
- The resulting patterns and interaction
- The forces responsible for the formation of the
patterns
In 2006 in Brisbane, Australia, International geographical union was
formed under UN charter that commands worldwide geographical
educations.
Human population
The concerns of geography are mainly to:
- Assess the spatial distribution of population
- Determine the forces that governed the distribution
- Examine patterns of population distribution
- Lookup on the impact of population on environment
- Forward views on the sustainability of an area
Geographic Information System (GIS): is a computer system that records,
stores and analyze information about features of the earth’s surface.
1.5. Basic Research Methodologies in Geography
Research project is an inquiry into a problem. Research is the foundation
of research methods and methodology.
Research method or technique is a skill that uses different steps to solve a
problem and arrive at a solution. The methods are
- Collection and organization of data
- The use of statistical parameters
- Evaluation of accuracy
Research methodology is a science that studies how research is done
scientifically. It is much broader. It is the philosophy behind the research. It
considers: a. why the study is undertaken
b. how research problem is identified ( through field observation,
by asking other researchers and revoliterature)
c. what assumptions or hypothesis are formulated
d. what type of data are collected
e. why a particular method or technique is chosen
Research methodology gives training about how to acquire the skills
- Gathering materials
- Participating in field work
- Preparing questionnaires
- Use statistical techniques
- Interpreting and reporting results
Basic elements of research
A. Identifying research problem
B. Defining the significance of the study for solving the problem
- Providing new discoveries
- Improving situations
- Demanding new decisions
- Enriching existing theories
C. Studying the problem area – create bird’s eye view. It is particularly
important when we research the spatial distribution of phenomena
and things.
D. Defining the objectives if study
E. Defining the scope and delimitation of the study (in terms of finance,
time, personnel)
F. Reviewing literature – For quantitative, revoliterature can help to
identify the variables and their relationships.
- For qualitative, the revoliterature review helps
to expand knowledge of research subject.
G. Developing or formulating a working hypothesis
Hypothesis is a preliminary assumption or tentative explanation that
accounts for a set of facts, taken to be true for the purpose of
investigation and testing a theory.
Hypothesis should be: - clear and precise
- Capable of being tested or verified
- Should state relationship between variables
- Must explain the facts that give rise to the
explanation
H. Preparing the research design: research design is a conceptual
framework within which the research could be conducted.
To prepare research design, consider
- The means of obtaining the information.
- The competence of the researcher
- The time available for the research
- The money available for the research
It answers questions like what, where, when, how much and by what
means.
I. Defining the sample design: sampling is the action of choosing
population sample. And the resulting study is called a sample study. If
the population under study is homogeneous (similar) a small sample is
sufficient. On the other hand, if the population is heterogeneous, a
much larger size is necessary.
J. Designing the main techniques for sampling:
There are 2 main techniques
a. Non probability sampling – deliberate or purposive sampling
- The basis is personal decision
- There is always danger of bias
b. Probability sampling – random, chance or lottery sampling
- Everyone has equal chance of being included
K. Collecting and organizing the data
a. Primary data collection: the research produces data rather than
relying on existing data.
Ways of collecting – personal observations and discussions
- Interviews
- Questionnaires
- Use of schedules (this is the same as
questionnaires but differs in one aspect which
is an assigned enumerator fills out the
questionnaire)
b. Secondary data collection: investigates data that has already been
collected and organized. It may be either published or unpublished.
Published – historical records unpublished - diaries
- Journals - letters
- Reports by universities - unpublished
Biographies
L. Analysis of data: - is an essential part
- Involves the use of statistical techniques to measure
relationships of variables
- The important issue is selection of appropriate
measuring techniques.
Processing of data results in new discoveries, followed by interpretations.
[Link] the research report, based on the findings: report is a major
component. A good report is the product of concentration, accuracy
and logical arrangement of your facts and ideas.
N. Compiling the biography/ references: it is the final step. Biography is
the list of written materials relevant to the study you have performed.
The items in biography should have these formats
For books and pamphlets: 1. Name of the author, last name first
[Link], underlined or in italics
3. Place, publisher and date of publication
4. Volume(s) number(s)
Example: Getas A, (2007), Introduction to Geography, 2nd edition, Mc
Graw Hill, New york.
For magazines and newspapers: 1. Name of the author, last name first
[Link] of article, in quotation marks
3. Name of the periodical, underlined
4. Volume number
5. The date of the issue
6. Page or page number
1.6. Conducting Action Research
Action research is ongoing research process by which a particular real
problem is identified, information is gathered, practical solutions are tested,
conclusions and recommendations are reached and improvements are made
finally.
Features: - it is based on reality
- It enables researchers to put ideas to action
- There is rapid feedback
- It aims at improving situations not producing new knowledge
- It encourages reflections and further developments.
Step 1: Selecting problem – the problem shouldn’t be overdone
- It shouldn’t be debatable
- It must be simple and clear that doesn’t
discourage participants
Step 2: Objectives of the study – it leads to the type of data to be collected.
Step 3: Making review literature
Step 4: Establishing working hypothesis – it is principal tool in research. Its
main function is to put forward as assumption that can be verified
Step 5: Determining sample size
Step 6: Collecting the required data: either through personal interview or
questionnaires.
Step 7: Analysis of data: it uses simple ratios/ proportions and bargraphs/
line graphs.
Step 8: Generalization and interpretation
Step 9: Preparation of repot: the report must include
- Clear statement of the objective and explanation of
the method used to analyze the data
- Summarized generalizations of the discovery
- Finally forward the possible solutions that could
change the attitude of most people affected by the
problem.
