Quantitative geography

Quantitative geography is a subfield and methodological approach to geography that develops, tests, and uses scientific, mathematical, and statistical methods to analyze and model geographic phenomena and patterns.[1][2][3] It aims to explain and predict the distribution and dynamics of human and physical geography through the collection and analysis of quantifiable data.[4] The approach quantitative geographers take is generally in line with the scientific method, where a falsifiable hypothesis is generated, and then tested through observational studies.[3][5][6][7] This has received criticism, and in recent years, quantitative geography has moved to include systematic model creation and understanding the limits of their models.[6][8][9] This approach is used to study a wide range of topics, including population demographics, urbanization, environmental patterns, and the spatial distribution of economic activity.[1] The methods of quantitative geography are often contrasted by those employed by qualitative geography, which is more focused on observing and recording characteristics of geographic place. However, there is increasing interest in using combinations of both qualitative and quantitative methods through mixed-methods research to better understand and contextualize geographic phenomena.[10]

  1. ^ a b Fotheringham, A. Stewart; Brunsdon, Chris; Charlton, Martin (2000). Quantitative Geography: Perspectives on Spatial Data Analysis. Sage Publications Ltd. ISBN 978-0-7619-5948-9.
  2. ^ Murakami, Daisuke; Yamagata, Yoshiki (2020). "Chapter Six - Models in quantitative geography". Spatial Analysis Using Big Data: Chapter Six - Models in quantitative geography. pp. 159–178. doi:10.1016/B978-0-12-813127-5.00006-0. ISBN 9780128131275. S2CID 213700891. Retrieved 3 February 2023. {{cite book}}: |journal= ignored (help)
  3. ^ a b Yano, Keiji (2001). "GIS and quantitative geography". GeoJournal. 52 (3): 173–180. doi:10.1023/A:1014252827646. S2CID 126943446.
  4. ^ Taylor, Peter J. (1977). Quantitative Methods in Geography: An introduction to Spatial Analysis. Prospect Heights, Illinois: Waveland Press, inc. ISBN 0-88133-072-8.
  5. ^ DeLyser, Dydia; Herbert, Steve; Aitken, Stuart; Crang, Mike; McDowell, Linda (November 2009). The SAGE Handbook of Qualitative Geography (1 ed.). SAGE Publications. ISBN 9781412919913. Retrieved 27 April 2023.
  6. ^ a b Murray, Alan T. (February 2010). "Quantitative Geography". Journal of Regional Science. 50 (1): 143–163. Bibcode:2010JRegS..50..143M. doi:10.1111/j.1467-9787.2009.00642.x. S2CID 127919804. Retrieved 3 February 2023.
  7. ^ Li, Xin; Zheng, Donghai; Feng, Min; Chen, Fahu (November 2021). "Information geography: The information revolution reshapes geography". Science China Earth Sciences. 65 (2): 379–382. doi:10.1007/s11430-021-9857-5.
  8. ^ Franklin, Rachel (2022). "Quantitative methods I: Reckoning with uncertainty". Progress in Human Geography. 46 (2): 689–697. doi:10.1177/03091325211063635. S2CID 246032475.
  9. ^ Franklin, Rachel (February 2023). "Quantitative methods II: Big theory". Progress in Human Geography. 47 (1): 178–186. doi:10.1177/03091325221137334. S2CID 255118819.
  10. ^ Diriwächter, R. & Valsiner, J. (January 2006) Qualitative Developmental Research Methods in Their Historical and Epistemological Contexts. FQS. Vol 7, No. 1, Art. 8