Research in geography

Dr. Arindam Sarkar , Department of Geography
Purash Kanpur Haridas Nandi College Website: https://pkhnm.ac.in/
Email ID: arindam.srkr1@gmail.com
Geographical
Research
Dr. Arindam Sarkar
Department of Geography
Purash Kanpur Haridas Nandi College
arindam.srkr1@gmail.com

What is Geographical research ?
 Geographical research is a systematic and scientific
investigation of information about different domain of physical
and human geography its applicability using different tools and
techniques.
 M Stephenson and D Slesinger defined research in the
Encyclopedia of Social Sciences as “The manupulation of things,
concepts or symbols for the purpose of gerneralizing to extend,
correct or verify knowledge, whether that knowledge aids in
construction of theory or in the practice of an art.”
 According to the American sociologist Earl Robert Babbie,
“Research is a systematic inquiry to describe, explain, predict,
and control the observed phenomenon. Research involves
inductive and deductive methods (Question Pro)

 Research is used to describe a number of similar and
overlapping activities relating a search for information. It is
“something that people undertake in order to find things out in a
systematic way, thereby increasing their knowledge” (Saunders et
al. 2009).
 According to Kothari (2004), Endeavour of any research is to
uncover the concealed reality that is yet to be exposed or
revealed.
However, research is constantly used to solve organizational
problems through systematic strategies (Ojo, 2008).
Reference: UKEssays. (November 2018). Definition of Research and Research
Methodology.
Retrieved from https://www.ukessays.com/essays/management/definition-of-research-
and-research-methodology-management-essay.php?vref=1

Overview of Geographical research
 Research is the investigation of an idea, subject or topic for a purpose.
 It enables the researcher to extend knowledge or explore theory.
 It offers the opportunity to investigate an area of interest from a particular
perspective.
 The methods you use to obtain information from a variety of sources.
 Investigation and discovery.
 An opportunity to investigate a theory that requires further interpretation and
greater understanding.
 A rigorous enquiry about an area which is of interest for various reasons, e.g. it
may be an area about which little is known, or an area which is causing concern.
 Discovery, finding out, study, looking in depth, investigation, reaching new ideas/
conclusions.
 The term research is for me a way of describing a systematic investigation of a
phenomenon or area of activity. It can sometimes be accurately measured
scientifically or data collected can be analyzed and compared to identify trends,
similarities or differ
Source: https://us.sagepub.com/sites/default/files/upm-
assets/46239_book_item_46239.pdf

Characteristics of research
 It is a systematic approach needs accurate data.
 Rules and procedures are an integral part of the process that set the objective.
 Researchers must follow research ethics and a code of conduct during
observation , survey and report writing.
 Research depends on logical reasoning (inductive and deductive methods).
 The data or information that is extracted through field from accurate
observations in natural phenomena.
 Proper scientific and logical analysis of data
 Research provides a path for generating new questions.
 Existing data and literature helps enhance opportunities for young researcher.
 Research is analytical in nature.
 Available data and information can used for further justification.
 Accurate is an most important ward in the dictionary of research.
 Data accuracy is supreme concern of research.
 Accuracy can be justified through the instruments used, the calibrations of
instruments and the final result of the experiment.

Significance of Geographical research
 It is directed towards the solution of problems. The ultimate
goal is to discover cause-and-effect relationship between social
problems.
 It emphasis the development of generalizations, principles or
theories that will be helpful in predicting future occurrences.
 It is based upon observable experience or empirical evidence.
 It demands accurate observations and description.
Researchers may choose from a variety or non-qualitative
description of their observations.
 It involves gathering new data from primary sources or using
existence data for new purpose.
 Although social research activities may at time be somewhat
random and unsystematic, it is more often characterized by
carefully designed procedure that applies rigorous analysis.

Significance of Geographical research
 It requires expertise. The researcher knows what is already known
about the problem and how others have investigated.
 It strives to the objective and logical applying every possible test to
validate the procedure employed, data collected and conclusion
reached.
 It involves the guests for answer to unsolved problems.
 It is characterized by patient and unhurried activity. Researcher must
expect disappointment and discouragement as they pursue the answer
to difficult question
 It is carefully recorded and reported. Each important term is defined,
limiting factors are recognized, procedures are described in detail,
reference are carefully documented, results are objectively recorded
and conclusions are presented with scholarly caution and restraint.
 It is interdisciplinary in nature .
 It sometimes requires courage.

Steps of Geographical research
 Formation of the research topic by literature review
 Hypothesis building / Formation of research questions
 Conceptual definitions and clarifications
 Operational definitions
 Collection of data
 Scientific analysis of data
 Proper explanation of data and result
 Hypothesis test / Answer research question
 Conclusion with recommendation
 Iteration if required

Objectives of Geographical Research
 Rethink or review or reanalysis
 Critical review
 Further research
 Application of contemporary tools and techniques
 Bring change
 Informative and well understandable
 To get a qualification
 For self-development
 Development of subject matter
 Incorporate or introduce new ideas and sub themes in to
the subject area
 Correlation with other branch of science

Types of Research
Main types Other type
 Descriptive Research  Longitudinal Research
 Analytical Research  Laboratory Research
 Applied Research  Clinical Research
 Fundamental Research  Historical Research
 Quantitative Research  Decision-oriented
Research
 Qualitative Research  Survey Research
 Conceptual Research  Correlation Research
 Empirical Research  Exploratory Research

Main types
Descriptive
Research
 It associated with survey and different fact-findings
questions.
Purpose: Description about the contemporary state of
affairs.
 It is also called as ex post facto research.
 In this research researcher has no control upon variable.
Researcher acts as reporter for report past and recent content.
 Descriptive research mostly used in Social science and
Business research.
Analytical
Research
 Analytical Research has strong abilities in terms of
performing sophisticated statistical analyses and interpreting
their findings within their respective research context.
Analytical research means carrying out analysis on a
phenomenon – Mostly involves secondary data – ex-ante
research- before contemplated change.
 In analytical research , on the other hand , the researcher
has to use fact or information already available, and analyze
these to make a critical evaluation of materials (Kothari,2007).

Main types
Applied
Research
 Objectives of applied research is to find out
scientific solution for an immediate problem.
 Purpose of applied studies is closely associated with
the solution of specific problems.
 In applied studies, research objectives are fixed by
clients as a solution to specific problems they are
experiencing.
Fundamental
Research
 Fundamental research is associated with
generalization and with the formulation of a theory.
 Fundamental studies relate to creation of new
knowledge or expansion of the current knowledge
without any concerns to applicability.
 Fundamental studies, on the other hand, are usually
self-initiated in order to expand the levels of
knowledge in certain areas.

Main types
Quantitative
Research
 This type of research is based on the measurement of
quantity.
 It has applicability to event that can be showed in context
of quantity.
 Quantitative research is defined as a systematic
investigation of phenomena by gathering quantifiable data
and performing statistical, mathematical, or computational
techniques.
Qualitative
Research
 It is concerned with qualitative phenomena like as
phenomena related to quality.
 Qualitative research is specially important in the
behavioural sciences where the aim is to discover the
underlying motives of human behaviour (Kothari,2007).
The aim of qualitative research is to understand the social
reality of individuals, groups and cultures as nearly as
possible as its participants feel it or live it.

Main types
Conceptual
Research
 It is related to some abstract ideas or theories.
conceptual research involves abstract ideas and
concepts.
 It is popular to used by philosopher and thinker to
develop new concept or revaluating existing one, that
has already published.
 Conceptual research focuses on the concept or
theory that explains or describes the phenomenon
being studied.
Empirical
Research
 Empirical research is based on experimentation.
 Empirical research involves research based on
observation, experiments and verifiable evidence.
 Empirical research is basically a research that uses
empirical evidence. Empirical evidence refers to
evidence verifiable by observation or experience rather
than theory or pure logic.

Geographical research
approach
 Quantitative Approach
 Qualitative Approach
 Inferential Approach
 Experimental Approach
 Simulation Approach

Research in geography

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