Practising Human Geographical Research

Learning Outcomes

Learning Outcomes

Having successfully completed this module you will be able to:

• Understand some aspects of the human geography of either Paris or Amsterdam.
• Understand analytical techniques for quantitative and qualitative data, including some familiarity with relevant software such as SPSS and NVivo.
• Structure conceptual and empirical material into a reasoned argument.
• Abstract and synthesise information from a range of different sources.
• Design a research project that will address a set of well-defined research questions or hypotheses.
• Understand the practical application of key concepts in social science research methodology, including objectivity, subjectivity, situated knowledge, positionality, sampling, measurement, indicators, study design (e.g. cross-sectional, longitudinal), rigour, induction and deduction.
• Pursue knowledge in an in-depth, ordered and motivated way.
• Review work in a defined area of knowledge, as part of a literature review process
• Gather primary data through methods such as questionnaires, interviews, focus groups and (participant) observation.
• Work effectively in groups.
• Assess the merits of a published piece of research .
• Analyse the quantitative and qualitative data generated by research methods or obtained through published sources.
• Understand basic statistics: descriptive statistics, inferential statistics, regression modelling.
• Understand the principles of research design.
• Marshall and retrieve data from library and internet resources.

Dissertations – informal meetings with potential supervisors; formal meetings with allocated supervisors after Easter; ERGO submission prior to summer break. Plus drop-in sessions for advice and feedback on assessments (and amounting to enough for 30 credits).

The Fieldtrip in Geography

Quantitative analysis

Introduction to dissertations

Overviews of methodological approaches

Introduction to the fieldwork city

Research Design

Dissertation Topics

Group work practical

SPSS Open Clinic

Research ethics and ERGO

Lectures

Practicals

Daily tutorials in the field

Field-based research experience

Summative

This is how we’ll formally assess what you have learned in this module.

Referral

This is how we’ll assess you if you don’t meet the criteria to pass this module.