Working with Geographical Information

Module code: GY1019

Module Outline

In this module, students will be introduced to a variety of fundamental descriptive and comparative statistical methods. First we cover the basics of how to describe and summarise geographical data, numerically and graphically. Then we explain the differences between samples and populations of quantitative data and the implications these differences have for manipulating sampled data. Using geographical data, we then explore how to formulate testable hypotheses and how to select and undertake statistical tests of difference and correlation.

Learning Outcomes

By the end of this module, students will be able to perform a variety of descriptive statistical tasks: 

• Describe and summarize quantitative geographical data both numerically and graphically
• Explain the differences between samples and populations of quantitative data and the implications these differences have for manipulating sampled data
• Formulate a hypothesis
• Select an appropriate test of difference or association to test hypotheses based the descriptive statistical analyses
• Carry out tests of difference (t-tests and chi-sq tests) on geographical data and interpret and evaluate the results