Research Methodology

Paper Code: 
GEO 141
Credits: 
4
Contact Hours: 
60.00
Max. Marks: 
100.00
Objective: 

To provide geography a sound philosophical and theoretical base, and to make its methodology objective and scientific

 

 

Learning outcome (at course level)

Learning and teaching strategies

Assessment Strategies

  
 

CLO 01:  Candidates are able to apply the different quantitative techniques in their designing the research work plan and can get results accordingly.

CLO 02:  Apart from statistical techniques RS and GIS techniques are also beneficial for research so they can apply such techniques after completion of this course.

Approach in teaching:

Interactive Lectures, Discussion, Tutorials, Reading assignments, Demonstration,

Learning activities for the students:

Self learning assignments, Effective questions, Seminar presentation

Class test, Semester end examinations, Quiz,

Assignments, Presentation, Individual and group projects

 

 

15.00
Unit I: 
Research
  • Research : meaning, Definition and Objectives of research,
  •   Types of Research- Descriptive Vs Analytical, Applied Vs Fundamental,     
  •   Quantitative   Vs Qualitative, Conceptual Vs Empirical Research,
  • Significance of Research
  • Research Design: Meaning, concept, need, designs for different type of research, library, laboratory and field research; advantages of designing research
  • Research problem and developing research proposal: selection of research area and topic, statement of the research problem, its scope, steps involved in defining the problems. 
  • Defining concepts, objectives, basic assumptions, delimitation and limitations of the problem, statement of hypothesis.
15.00

 

  • Variables: independent and dependent variables, Quantitative and Qualitative variables, discrete and continuous variables, confounding variables, methods of controlling variables, measurement of variables.
  • Sampling: meaning, characteristics of a good sample design, step in sampling design, types, advantages
  • Techniques of Primary data collection: Questionnaire, schedules, interview, observation and other methods;
  • Secondary data Criterion: reliability, suitability and adequacy of data.
  • Processing and analysis of data: processing operation: editing, coding, classification and tabulation of data, Cartographic Presentation of Data, elements of data analysis, role of statistics in data analysis, statistical tables
  • Report writing: types and format

15.00
  • Probability: basic aspects, probability of combination of events, probability of random variables, distribution of random variables.
  • Measures of central tendency- mean, median, mode
  • Common distribution functions: binomial probability distribution and normal distribution curve.
  • Measures of dispersion: range, mean deviation, variance, standard deviation, coefficient of variation.
  • Regression and correlation: least square methods of fitting a regression line, curvilinear regression, correlation methods, correlation coefficient.
15.00

Selected techniques of spatial analysis: concentration & dispersal of economic activities,

  • combinational analysis
  • methods of measuring regional disparities & inequalities

 

  • Network analysis,
  • use of software for quantitative geographical analysis,
  • Introduction to RS & GIS
  • integrated area development planning, methods of delimiting regions

References: 
  • Elhance, D.N., Fundamentals of Statistics, KitabMehal, Allahabad, 1972.
  • Peter, J. Taylor, Quantitative Methods in Geography, Houghton Mifflin Company, Boston, 1977.
  • Robert Hammond and PatrikMcCullagh, Quantitative Methods in Geography, Clarendon Press,Oxford, 1974.
  • Gupta, C.B., An Introduction to Statistical Methods, Ram Prasad and Sons, Agra, 1971.
  • Peter Haggett, Andrew D. Cliff and Allan Frey, Locational Models, Vols. I and II, Arnold Heinemann, New Delhi, 1977.
Academic Year: 
2020-2021