The University of Sheffield
Geography Undergraduate Student Handbook

GEO152 Statistical Data Analysis in Geography

Level 1
Credits 10
Availability Core for BA Geography; BSc Geography; Geography & Planning
Semester Autumn
Prerequisites None
Description The module provides an introduction to the use of quantitative data analysis in geography. Students are introduced to descriptive statistics, data distributions, commonly encountered mathematical functions, principles of hypothesis testing and inferential analysis. The course includes hands-on experience of some commonly-used statistical methods.
Aims
  1. To introduce students to key concepts in statistical data analysis
  2. To introduce students to descriptive statistics and exploratory data analysis.
  3. To introduce students to issues of sampling and inferential data analysis.
  4. To develop understanding of sample accuracy, and methods for estimating sample errors and confidence intervals around estimates.
  5. To familiarise students with a range of methods for the statistical analysis of bivariate problems.
  6. To develop skills in the quantification, assessment and analysis of bivariate relationships.
Learning Outcomes By the end of the module, a student will be able to demonstrate:
  1. An understanding of the underlying concepts of statistical analysis.
  2. A capacity to undertake and critically interpret sampling and inferential data analysis, including sample accuracy, sample errors and confidence intervals.
  3. The ability to conduct and critically interpret a range of bivariate relationship estimation methods.
Outline Contents
  1. Basic concepts: variables and observations, numerical vs. categorical data
  2. Descriptive statistics: mean, median, mode, variance/standard deviation, exploratory data analysis
  3. Data distributions and sampling theory
  4. Sample accuracy, sample error and confidence intervals
  5. Inferential statistics and hypothesis testing
  6. Assessing bivariate relationships
Delivery Methods 20 x 1-hour lectures; 8 x 1-hour practicals
Student Contact Hours 28
Supporting Texts Field, A. Discovering Statistics using SPSS
Rogerson, P.A. Statistical Methods for Geographers (2nd edition)
Assessment Methods Exam: half the exam will emphasise pattern recognition and descriptive statistics and will be based on multiple choice: half will be based on the interpretation of the results of statistical analysis, and will involve writing short reports on computer printout.
Staffing
(convenor underlined)

Dr Edward Hanna, Professor Charles Pattie
 

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