Geographic Research Methods – GEOG 300
CG • Section 8WK • 07/01/2018 to 12/31/2199 • Modified 02/01/2024
Course Description
This course highlights research methods commonly utilized in the field of geography. Topics covered include research questions and hypotheses formulation, research project development, quantitative research design, and qualitative research design.
For information regarding prerequisites for this course, please refer to the Academic Course Catalog.
Rationale
The purpose of this course is to provide the student with an overview of research methods typically employed in the field of geographic research. The differences between human and physical related research are discussed. The student equipped with a broad perspective on how to conduct research will be better prepared to fulfill the Great Commission in his/her vocational pursuits.
Course Assignment
Textbook readings and video presentations
After reading the Course Syllabus and Student Expectations, the student will complete the related checklist found in the Course Overview.
Discussions are collaborative learning experiences. Therefore, the student will participate in two (2) Discussions by posting a thread in response to the provided prompt. Each thread must be at least 400 words, and the assertions in the thread must be supported with at least 1 citation in current APA format from .edu or .gov sources, journals, or books. In addition to the thread, the student is required to reply to 2 classmates' threads. Each reply must be at least 200 words.
Choose a geographic topic that interests you. Ponder how your argument for this research topic falls into place, fits within the field of geography, and can realistically be finished in the time allotted.
Collect the right data for your research project.
The student will identify a topic for a research paper. The student will outline his/her topic idea, geographic subfield, audience, and potential data collection methods, via PowerPoint presentation. The student will utilize a minimum of 10 slides for his/her outline. The outline must include at least five (5) scholarly sources (primary sources must come from .edu or .gov sources, journals, or books).
The student will describe in paper format his/her potential data collection methods for the final research paper. The paper must denote concerns, safeguards, and expectations for data collection, as well as the format the data is to be presented in for the final paper. The paper will include a minimum of 750 words. The paper must include at least five (5) scholarly sources (primary sources must come from .edu or .gov sources, journals, or books).
The student will complete a book review of the textbook. The book review must contain chapter summaries, strengths, weaknesses, evaluation, and summary sections, and a minimum of 2,000 words.
Research Project Paper Assignment
The student will complete a research project paper. The paper will present data from the student’s original research or an outline of how original research would be collected and presented for a project specific geographic subfield. The paper will include a minimum of 2,000 words. The paper must include at least eight (8) scholarly sources (primary sources must come from .edu or .gov sources, journals, or books).
