Statistics For Geographers

Introduces the techniques and concepts of statistics in human and physical geography. This book explains not only how to apply quantitative tools but also why and how they work. It helps students gain important skills for utilizing conventional and spatial statistics in their own research, as well as for critically evaluating the work of others.

Statistics are important tools for validating theory, making predictions and engaging in policy research. They help to provide informed commentary about social and environmental issues, and to make the case for change. Knowledge of statistics is therefore a necessary skill for any student of geography or environmental science. This textbook is aimed at students on a degree course taking a module in statistics for the first time. It focuses on analysing, exploring and making sense of data in areas of core interest to physical and human geographers, and to environmental scientists. It covers the subject in a broadly conventional way from descriptive statistics, through inferential statistics to relational statistics but does so with an emphasis on applied data analysis throughout.

A textbook for advanced undergraduate/first year graduate level courses in statistical methods in geography. Presents methods useful in research design, hypothesis testing, and analyzing spatial and functional relationships. Introduces basic statistical terms and techniques for displaying and describing distributions, and covers a range of working methods including probability and sampling, simple linear regression, extensions of the simple linear model to multiple regression and its assumptions, stepwise logit regression, and canonical and discriminant analysis.

Statistical Methods for Geography is the essential introduction for geography students looking to fully understand and apply key statistical concepts and techniques. Now in its fifth edition, this text is an accessible statistics ‘101’ focused on student learning, and includes definitions, examples, and exercises throughout. Fully integrated with online self-assessment exercises and video overviews, it explains everything required to get full credits for any undergraduate statistics module. The fifth edition of this bestselling text includes: · Coverage of descriptive statistics, probability, inferential statistics, hypothesis testing and sampling, variance, correlation, regression analysis, spatial patterns, spatial data reduction using factor analysis and cluster analysis. · New examples from physical geography and additional real-world examples. · Updated in-text and online exercises along with downloadable datasets. This is the only text you’ll need for undergraduate courses in statistical analysis, statistical methods, and quantitative geography.

First published in 1978. For the non-mathematician, however, even the simpler introductory books on statistics often raise considerable problems. In this second edition First, some attention has been given to the problem of the transformation of data in order to reinforce the appreciation of the need for normally-distributed data for the use of so many techniques. Secondly, the use of probability paper, at least in simple terms, has been introduced to illustrate the ways in which the labour of probability assessments can be circumvented. Thirdly, radical changes have been made, plus considerable expansion added, to the theme of non-parametric testing, to provide a more systematic approach to what is a most important group of possible techniques for geographers. Fourthly, change and expansion are also reflected in the sections on correlation and regression, including some simple consideration of curvilinear relationships and the presentation of computational techniques more geared to the use of desk calculators rather than long-hand methods. Finally, the bibliography has also been expanded, to incorporate a wider range of books on techniques and a selection of research papers using such techniques in a geographical (or near-geographical) context.

Practical Statistics for Geographers and Earth Scientists provides an introductory guide to the principles and application of statistical analysis in context. This book helps students to gain the level of competence in statistical procedures necessary for independent investigations, field-work and other projects. The aim is to explain statistical techniques using data relating to relevant geographical, geospatial, earth and environmental science examples, employing graphics as well as mathematical notation for maximum clarity. Advice is given on asking the appropriate preliminary research questions to ensure that the correct data is collected for the chosen statistical analysis method. The book offers a practical guide to making the transition from understanding principles of spatial and non-spatial statistical techniques to planning a series analyses and generating results using statistical and spreadsheet computer software. Learning outcomes included in each chapter International focus Explains the underlying mathematical basis of spatial and non-spatial statistics Provides an geographical, geospatial, earth and environmental science context for the use of statistical methods Written in an accessible, user-friendly style Datasets available on accompanying website at www.wiley.com/go/Walford