Module GG2022: Collection & Analysis of Geographical Data
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Module Co-ordinator: Dr Raleigh (raleighc@tcd.ie) |
Divided into three components, dealing with techniques used in the acquisition and analysis of quantitative, qualitative and digital spatial data, the module aims to introduce students to a variety of methods in geographical study, analysis and research; enable students to select appropriate methods to study diverse geographical issues; and develop student's geographical skills of numeracy, data management, manipulation, analysis, display, interpretation and explanation.
Lectures will cover: Research design; tools and data collection; quantitative and qualitative data analysis, and GIS and remote sensing. Practical sessions will cover: formulating research questions and problem solving; formulating interviews and questionnaires, use of Excel for data handling and data presentation; application of statistical techniques; application of GIS in human and physical Geography; introduction to remote sensing and image processing; and fieldwork.
Learning Outcomes: On successful completion of the module students will be able to:
• Outline and contrast a range of methodological approaches adopted in geographical
analysis and research;
• Formulate basic research questions and proposals in both human and physical
Geography contexts;
• Design simple research projects using a diversity of approaches and techniques;
• Select appropriate software packages and methods to undertake analysis;
• Interpret the results of basic analysis and present these findings on an individual and
group basis.
Module Breakdown: Contact Hours (Lectures & Practicals = 48hrs); Additional Input (Reading and assessments = 202 hrs). TOTAL = 250hrs.
Key texts
Montello, D. R. and Sutton, P.C. (2006) An Introduction to Scientific Research Methods in Geography.
Assessment:Course work (100%)