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Quantitative Methods
Geography 441
Course Requirements and Introduction
This course will cover:
Descriptive statistics and graphs
Measures of central tendency and dispersion
Distributions and probability
Parametric and non-parametric two sample tests
Contingency table analyses
Correlation analysis
Regression analysis
Spatial analytic methods
All of these will focus on geographic applications.
Equipment:
1. Calculator with statistical functions
2. Three-ring binder
3. A thumb dive
4. Textbook:
Statistical Methods for Geography. By Peter A.
Rogerson (latest edition)
Course Particulars:
1. Attendance in EXTREMELY important.
2. Late exercises and assignments will not be accepted.
3. All computer work must be completed on-time.
4. All work MUST follow the Results Format.
Since each concept builds on the previous, falling behind
in this course will make successful completion difficult.
Therefore the goal is to keep everyone on track.
You MUST keep all of your exercises, etc since you will be
referring back to these often.
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Exercises
Must be handed in on time.
Must be TYPED.
Must follow the format provided. Some slight variation
if fine, as long as it is legible.
IF you use Microsoft WORD, get used to working with
the EQUATION EDITOR.
The Tests
There are 2 test in this class divided into 2 sections:
1. An in-class test
2. A take home test
The in-class test
1. Standard format.
2. Bring a calculator to the tests.
The take home test will:
1. Focus on using the computer.
2. Allow you to work in groups.
3. Come BEFORE the in-class test.
4. Hand it in ON the in-class test day at the beginning
of class.
Group Work
You will be responsible for getting into/creating a group.
You dont HAVE to work in a group, but it will be easier.
The take home will act as a means of studying.
How you operate your groups is up to you.
Responsibilities
1. All work MUST be original. That means no cutting
and pasting of other peoples work, even if you
are in the same group.
2. You must know how to perform all statistical tests
by hand and by computer.
3. Hand in all material on time and in the correct format.
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Web Site
Any data set you need for either the take home test or
exercises will be posted on my web site.
Any other info you need will be found there too.
Any issues that arise will be posted.
Web address:
[Link]
Answer Format
The answer format is to be used on ALL material that
you hand in.
The reason for this is simple:
1. Makes it easier for me to read and grade.
2. Makes it easier for you to be sure you have included
all relevant information.
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Components of a Summary Statement
The results of any statistical test (e.g. one where you are testing a null hypothesis)
must be stated in a concise summary statement. This statement should include a
summary of the findings, the test that was performed, the alpha level used, the
statistical results, and the probability. An example of a good summary statement is
below:
Using Microsoft Equation 3.0
Using the Equation Editor:
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Using SPSS:
Syntax window
Output window
Data editor window
The syntax window allows you to run scripts that can be built up from the
command log (found in the output window). To run a script, select the text
and click the RUN button.
The output window is where all of the statistical output is found and allows
you to edit tables and graphs. These can be copied and pasted into a Word
document.
The data editor window hold the working data set and is comprised of two
tabs: the Data View tab for altering or examining your data, and the Variable
View tab for changing the variable definitions or adding new variables.