This text is an essential guide to current research approaches in human geography, covering all aspects of undertaking a geography research project, from the selection of an appropriate topic through to the organisation and writing of the final report.

Covering a wide range of contemporary research methods, the authors provide practical advice on how to actually undertake a project.

List of figures

List of tables

List of boxes

List of contributors

Preface

Acknowledgements

1 Introduction

2 Philosophies underlying human geography research

Section A Preparing for the research project

3 Choosing a topic

4 Finding previous work on the topic

5 Secondary data

Section B Collecting primary data

6 Questionnaire design and sampling

7 Tell me about …: using interviews as a research methodology

8 Focus groups

9 ‘Participatory’ approaches and diagramming techniques

10 Participant observation

Section C Analysis of data

11 Analysing numerical spatial data

12 Analysing categorical data

13 Analysing qualitative materials

14 Textual analysis: reading culture and context

15 Visual methodologies: what you see is not always what you get

16 Geographical information systems and spatial analysis

Section D Producing the report

17 Designing the report

18 Writing the report

19 Illustrating the report

20 Conclusion

References

Index

Methods in Human Geography: A Guide for Students Doing a Research Project provides an essential guide to current research approaches in human geography. It covers all aspects of undertaking a geography research project, from the selection of an appropriate topic through to the organisation and writing of the final report.

Many students find it difficult to select and use appropriate techniques when preparing research projects as part of their geography degree programme. Methods in Human Geography has been written by a team of active researchers, each expert in their particular methodological approaches and experienced dissertation supervisors. The second edition of this popular text includes updated commentary and entirely new chapters reflecting the changing nature of human geography research.

Main features

• Focuses on human geography research.
  
• Integrates a wide range of quantitative and qualitative approaches within a single volume from interviews, focus groups and analysis of text to quantitative analysis and geographical information systems.
  
• Covers the whole process of undertaking a research project, through selection of an appropriate topic, finding previous work, choosing appropriate methodologies, doing the research to writing up the report.
  
• The book strikes a balance between authoritative discussion of key issues and practical advice for the new researcher.

To explore the online resources, visit the dedicated companion website at www.pearsoned.co.uk/flowerdew  

Methods in Human Geography is an essential textbook for undergraduate students taking courses in geography and social sciences. It can be used as a handbook for taught courses in research methods or as a stand-alone resource for students undertaking independent research projects and dissertations.

Robin Flowerdew is Professor of Human Geography at the University of St Andrews; David Martin is Professor of Geography at the University of Southampton. Both have extensive teaching and research experience in methods in human geography.

An accessible guide to a wide variety of contemporary research methods, providing an overview of both qualitative and quantitative techniques, together with guidance on how to develop each approach.

• Covers the report writing process – including design, writing and illustration issues.
• Each chapter is written by a leading expert on the subject.
• Strikes a balance between authoritative discussion of key issues and practical advice for the new researcher.
• Practical pointers include – selecting a topic, finding earlier literature, collecting and analysing data and writing up the report.