GS200 - Quantitative Methods

GS200 provides students with a foundation in numerical data analysis and problem-solving specific to quantitative research in geography and related disciplines. Building on classical descriptive and inferential statistics the course introduces the student to statistical data analysis in the geographic context.  Students learn about measuring geographic distributions and statistical tests of comparison and correlation as they relate to problems in geography and related disciplines. Problems such as the Modifiable Areal Unit Problem (MAUP) and the Ecological Fallacy are introduced. Special emphasis is placed on understanding the role spatial dependence (autocorrelation) plays in spatial statistical methods. Students learn how to analyze spatial data for patterns, clusters and spatial relationships. Also covered are data handling and numerical methods dealing with sampling protocols, error and uncertainty. The course makes use of effective methods of quantitative data display and graphing and requires the use of statistical and GIS software.