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

12.00
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,
  • Research Approaches, 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.
  • search: reviewing related literature, referencing, abstracting, computer search, bibliography, evaluation of the problems.
  • Defining concepts, objectives, basic assumptions, delimitation and limitations of the problem, statement of hypothesis.
12.00
Unit II: 
Data Analysis
  • 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 data collection:
  • Primary data, questionnaire, schedules, interview, observation and other methods; secondary data: 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, format of writing the report.
12.00
Unit III: 
Data Computation
  • Probability: basic aspects, probability of combination of events, probability of random variables, distribution of random variables.
  • Statistical methods: measures of central tendency- mean, median, mode, arithmetic, geometric and harmonic mean.
  • Common distribution functions: binomial probability distribution, poisson 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.
12.00
Unit IV: 
Selected techniques of spatial analysis

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

  • combinational analysis,
  • methods of measuring regional disparities & inequalities
12.00
Unit V: 
Other Techniques
  • Network analysis,
  • use of software for quantitative geographical analysis,
  • Introduction to RS & GIS,
  • integrated area development planning, methods of delimiting regions
Essential Readings: 

 

  • Elhance, D.N., Fundamentals of Statistics, Kitab Mehal, Allahabad, 1972.
  • Peter, J. Taylor, Quantitative Methods in Geography, Houghton Mifflin Company, Boston, 1977.
  • Robert Hammond and Patrik McCullagh, 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.
References: 
  • Elhance, D.N., Fundamentals of Statistics, Kitab Mehal, Allahabad, 1972.
  • Peter, J. Taylor, Quantitative Methods in Geography, Houghton Mifflin Company, Boston, 1977.
  • Robert Hammond and Patrik McCullagh, 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: 
2019-2020