Techniques and Methodology in Geography

Code:

FLUP0025

Acronym:

TMG1

Instance: 2005/2006 - 1S

Active?	Yes
Responsible unit:	Department of Geography
Institution Responsible:	Faculty of Arts

Cycles of Study/Courses

Acronym	No. of Students	Study Plan	Curricular Years	Credits UCN	Credits ECTS	Contact hours	Total Time
GEO	99	Official Study Plan - LGEO	1	-	6	-

Objectives

- To acquaint students with working techniques and methods in Geography.
- To apply research techniques and methods in Geography.
- To develop skills in territorial analysis.

Program

1. Project conception in Geographical Analysis (2 weeks)
The Project’s concept and components. Quality criteria and failures. The Project’s cycle and methodology. Hierarchy of objectives. Requirements of objectives.

2. Field Work and Research (3 weeks)
Strategy definition and activity planning. Field research methods. Orientation, recording of information, data analysis and result checking.

3. Nature of Geographical Data (2 weeks)
Statistical sources and documental sources. Problems and quality of geographical information.

4. Questionnaire conception. (2 weeks)
Notions and importance. Formulation of hypotheses. Planning the questionnaire. Questions and questionnaires – formulation rules. Non-answers. Validity and safety of the questionnaire.

5. Interview conception (2 weeks)
Notions and importance. Social interaction in interviews. Advantages and disadvantages of interviews. Preparation and accomplishments of interviews.

6. Techniques of Sampling and Surveying (1 week)
Sample conditions and sample elements. Concepts and survey quality indicators.

Main Bibliography

ALBARELLO, L. et al – Práticas e métodos de investigação em ciências sociais, Gradiva, Lisboa, 1997.
BARBIER, J. – Elaboração de projectos de acção e planificação, Porto Editora, Porto, 1996.
BURGESS, R. G. – A pesquisa de terreno. Uma introdução, Celta Editora, Oeiras, 1997.
FODDY, W. – Como perguntar. Teoria e prática da construção de perguntas em entrevistas e questionários, Celta Editora, Oeiras, 1996.
GHIGLIONE, R.; MATALON, B. – O inquérito. Teoria e prática, Celta Editora, Oeiras, 1997.
HAGUE, P. JACKSON, P. – Faça a sua própria pesquisa de mercado, Nobel, São Paulo, 1995.
HILL, M. M., HILL, A. – Investigação por questionário, Edições Sílabo, Lisboa, 2000.
QUIVY, R.; CAMPENHOUDT, L. V. – Manual de investigação em ciências sociais, Gradiva, Lisboa, 1998.
VICENTE, P.; REIS, E.; FERRÃO, F. – Sondagens. A amostragem como factor decisivo de qualidade, Edições Sílabo, Lisboa, 1996.

Complementary Bibliography

To be recommended in class.

Teaching methods and learning activities

Theoretical lessons: presentation of theoretical contents
Practical lessons: application of acquired knowledge through practical group work and fieldwork

Software

No specific software required.

Evaluation Type

Distributed evaluation with final exam

Eligibility for exams

Attendance of classes is compulsory. Students registered in continuous evaluation should attend 2/3 of the classes.

Calculation formula of final grade

Theoretical and practical exam (100%)

Combined assessment comprising a theoretical test (60% of the final mark). The other 40% are distributed through several assignments carried out in the practical lessons (class attendance – 5%, task accomplishment – 5%, participation – 5%, work presentation – 10%, final reports – 15%)

Examinations or Special Assignments

Students should produce repports on their participation in activities outside the classroom, namelly fild trips, conferences, etc.

Special assessment (TE, DA, ...)

According with the Assesment Regulations in force.

Classification improvement

According with the Assesment Regulations in force.

Observations

Language of instruction: Portuguese.