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2018/19 Undergraduate Module Catalogue
GEOG2761 Research Methods in Human Geography
20 creditsClass Size: 50
Module manager: TBC
Email: .
Taught: Semesters 1 & 2 (Sep to Jun) View Timetable
Year running 2018/19
This module is mutually exclusive with
GEOG2561 | Research Methods: Ideas and Practice in Human Geography |
GEOG2762 | Research in Human Geography: Ideas, Methods and Tutorial |
This module is not approved as a discovery module
Objectives
This module strives to provide students with:- a maturing understanding of the core ideas underpinning human geography and the ability to argue coherently on geographical topics
- skills in critical reading and reviewing
- knowledge of the respective strengths and weaknesses of different approaches to conducting research in human geography and the social sciences
- an awareness of key principles in research in human geography paying particular attention to two of the following: social data, GIS and spatial analysis, and qualitative research methods
- confidence in putting methods of data collection and analysis into practice, paying particular attention to two of the following:focused around social data, GIS and spatial analysis, and qualitative research methods
- advanced skills for writing up and evidencing geographical research effectively
- the ability to develop a proposal for a conceptually grounded piece of geographical research.
Learning outcomes
Learning outcomes comprise:
NB students will normally take TWO from Strands A, B or C; plus Strand D.
A) Qualitative Research Methods Strand
1. Understanding of principles of qualitative research design;
2. Awareness of principles of data collection related to interview methods and participant observation;
3. Knowledge of techniques of strategies for analysing qualitative data;
4. Sensitivity to the particular ethical issues that can arise in qualitative research;
5. Awareness of a diversity of qualitative approaches;
B) Social Data Research Methods Strand
6. Understanding different types of numerical data and techniques for their analysis;
7. Developing skills in interpreting numerical data;
8. Understanding of different types of geographic and attribute data (and their sources);
C) GIS Research Methods Strand
9. Understanding of geographical information systems (GIS) and spatial analysis concepts;
10. Awareness of different functions of GIS and techniques for spatial analysis and when to apply them;
11. Confidence in using GIS and spatial analysis in geographical enquiry/dissertation work.
D) Final Year Project Strand:
12. Grounding in the analysis of geographical data that students might encounter;
13. Ability to formulate an independent research project;
14. Developing skills in compiling, summarising and critically analysing different literatures and data sources.
Skills outcomes
Use of techniques of data analysis in geography from the following:
- The use of Geographical Information Systems
- The use of Social Data Analysis
- The use of qualitative interviewing and other qualitative techniques within human geography and the social sciences
Syllabus
The module runs over semester 1 and semester 2 with students taking different components depending on their choice from Strands A, B or C.
Qualitative Methods runs in Semester 1; whilst GIS & SDA run in Semester 2. Final Year Project Strand runs across both semesters.
Strand A lectures, seminars, and practicals will introduce students to key methods and issues in qualitative research including:
- the rationales for using qualitative methods;
- principles of research design (such as site selection and sampling);
- research ethics;
- techniques of data collection and analysis.
Tutorials will introduce students to key ideas in Human geography and key concepts of geographical research.
Semester 2 focuses on the development of writing and research design skills and Quantitative Research approaches
Strand B Lectures, and practicals will introduce students to Social Data Analysis including:
- data acquisition
- different types of numerical data and analytical techniques;
- numerical approaches to research
- different types of geographic and attribute data (and their sources);
Strand C lectures and practicals will introduce students to GIS and Spatial Analysis including:
- spatial data analysis and visualisation;
- data acquisition and mapping;
- cartography.
Strand D lectures and tutorials will introduce students to:
- Bibliographical search methods and accessing data sources.
- Literature review writing skills
- Skills related to the development of ideas for research and the understanding of the early stages of research planning.
Teaching methods
Delivery type | Number | Length hours | Student hours |
Lecture | 18 | 1.00 | 18.00 |
Practical | 2 | 1.00 | 2.00 |
Practical | 11 | 2.00 | 22.00 |
Seminar | 4 | 1.00 | 4.00 |
Tutorial | 12 | 1.00 | 12.00 |
Private study hours | 142.00 | ||
Total Contact hours | 58.00 | ||
Total hours (100hr per 10 credits) | 200.00 |
Private study
142 private study hours (a combination of independent reading; completion of assessment tasks; initial bibliographical research to help frame and develop a project research proposal)Opportunities for Formative Feedback
In addition to formal assessments, student progress will be monitored through:- Tutorial discussions with staff to gauge the general understanding of the main methods and concepts discussed in this module and assess progress over the 2 semesters.
- Practical/seminar sessions with staff to monitor students’ comprehension and ability to proceed with practical tasks and projects.
- Staff review of literature review plans, and formative assessment of 500 word Final Year Project initiation form
Methods of assessment
Coursework
Assessment type | Notes | % of formal assessment |
Practical | 1200 words equivalent | 32.00 |
Essay | Final Year Project Literature Review - 1500 words | 36.00 |
Assignment | Either semester 1 group project (4000 words) OR another semester 2 practical (1200 words equivalent) | 32.00 |
Written Work | Final Year Project Initiation Form - 500 word formative only | 0.00 |
Total percentage (Assessment Coursework) | 100.00 |
Final Year Project Initiation Form is 'pass-to-progress'
Reading list
The reading list is available from the Library websiteLast updated: 30/04/2018
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- Undergraduate module catalogue
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- Taught Postgraduate programme catalogue
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