Course: Quantitative Methods in Geographical Research

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Course title Quantitative Methods in Geographical Research
Course code KGG/KKVAN
Organizational form of instruction Lecture + Lesson
Level of course unspecified
Year of study not specified
Semester Summer
Number of ECTS credits 5
Language of instruction Czech
Status of course unspecified
Form of instruction Face-to-face
Work placements This is not an internship
Recommended optional programme components None
Lecturer(s)
  • Fiedor David, doc. Mgr. Ph.D.
Course content
The course is divided into three thematic areas: 1) Measurement and Quantification of Geographic Phenomena, 2) Strategies for Collecting Quantitative Data, and 3) Specific Methods and Data Preparation. Each of these thematic areas is covered by several more narrowly focused lectures. Students will thus learn how to design quantitative surveys, with special attention given to questionnaires.

Learning activities and teaching methods
Lecture, Monologic Lecture(Interpretation, Training), Dialogic Lecture (Discussion, Dialog, Brainstorming), Work with Text (with Book, Textbook)
  • Homework for Teaching - 21 hours per semester
  • Attendace - 39 hours per semester
  • Semestral Work - 30 hours per semester
  • Preparation for the Course Credit - 20 hours per semester
  • Preparation for the Exam - 40 hours per semester
Learning outcomes
The aim of the course is to introduce first-year bachelor's students of geography to the fundamental principles of quantitative approaches in geographical research. Students will understand the logic of measuring and quantifying geographical phenomena, master key techniques for quantitative data collection, and learn how to prepare data for statistical analysis. The course builds on Introduction to Geographical Research and prepares students for the follow-up course Statistical Methods in Geography.
Upon completion of the course, students will understand the logic and principles of the quantitative approach in geographic research; be able to explain concepts such as operationalization, validity, reliability, representativeness, and sample; apply the operationalization process to a specific geographic problem; and develop a research instrument.
Prerequisites
Basic orientation in scientific work and geographical research at the level of the course Introduction to Geographical Research. No prior knowledge of statistics is required.

Assessment methods and criteria
Written exam, Student performance

The requirements for earning credit for the course include active participation in class and the ongoing completion of assignments. Once these requirements are met, students may take the written exam.
Recommended literature
  • Bryman, A. (2016). Social research methods. Oxford.
  • Clifford, N., French, S., Valentine, G. (eds.). Key methods in geography. Los Angeles. 2010.
  • Novotná, H., Špaček, O., Šťovíčková Jantulová, M. (2020). Metody výzkumu ve společenských vědách. Praha.


Study plans that include the course
Faculty Study plan (Version) Category of Branch/Specialization Recommended year of study Recommended semester