Techniques and Methodology in Geography
Instance: 2003/2004 - 1S
Cycles of Study/Courses
Objectives
Acquaint students with work techniques and methods in Geography. Apply research techniques and methods in Geography. Develop skills in territorial analysis. Promote the connection between study and research.
Program
1. Project’s conception in Geographical Analysis (3 weeks)
Project’s concept and components. Quality criteria and failures. 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. Recording of information, data analysis and result checking.
3. Nature of Geographical Data (3 weeks)
Statistical Sources and documental sources. Problems and quality of geographical information.
4. Questionnaires. (2 weeks)
Notions and importance. Formulation of hypotheses. Questionnaire’s planning . Questions and questionnaires – formulation rules. Non-answers. Validity and safety of the questionnaire.
5. Interviews (2 weeks)
Notions and importance. Social interaction in interview. Interviews’ advantages and disadvantages. Preparation and accomplishments of interviews.
6. Techniques of Sampling and Survey (2 weeks)
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
A indicar nas aulas para cada caso/grupo de trabalho.
Teaching methods and learning activities
Theoretical classes: presentation of the theoretical contents
Practical classes: application of acquired knowledge through practical group work and field work
Evaluation Type
Distributed evaluation with final exam
Calculation formula of final grade
Evaluation with final exam:
FM = Exam mark
Continuous evaluation:
FM = [(TMx60)+(CAx5)+(TAx5)+(Px5)+(WPx10)+(FRx15)/100
Initials: FM (Final mark); TM (Test mark); CA (Class attendance); TA (Task accomplishment); P (Participation); WP (Work presentation); FR (Final report).