Unit 1: Statistical methods
Statistical methods in geography are crucial for analyzing spatial data and understanding geographic
phenomena. Here’s a brief introduction:
1. Descriptive Statistics: These methods summarize and describe the main features of a data set.
Common measures include mean, median, mode, and standard deviation.
2. Inferential Statistics: These techniques allow geographers to make generalizations about a
population based on a sample. This includes hypothesis testing, confidence intervals, and
regression analysis.
3. Spatial Statistics: These methods analyze spatial patterns and relationships. Examples include
spatial autocorrelation, point pattern analysis, and spatial regression.
4. Exploratory Data Analysis (EDA): This approach involves visually and quantitatively exploring
data to uncover patterns, anomalies, and relationships without making prior assumptions.
5. Geostatistics: This branch focuses on modeling and predicting spatially continuous phenomena,
such as kriging and variograms.
6. Cluster Analysis: This method identifies groups of similar observations within a data set, useful
for detecting patterns in geographic data.
7. Factor Analysis: This technique reduces data dimensionality by identifying underlying variables
that explain the pattern of correlations within a set of observed variables
1.Compound bar graphs/cumulative bar graphs/ divided bars or percentage bars
1. Compound Bar Graphs: These graphs display multiple sets of data in a single bar. Each bar is
divided into segments representing different categories, allowing for easy comparison of the
components within each bar.
2. Cumulative Bar Graphs: Also known as stacked bar graphs, these show the total of different data
sets stacked on top of each other. Each segment of the bar represents a part of the total,
making it easy to see the cumulative effect.
3. Divided Bars or Percentage Bars: These are similar to cumulative bar graphs but focus on
showing the proportion of each category as a percentage of the total. Each bar is divided into
segments that represent the percentage contribution of each category.
These types of bar graphs are useful for comparing parts of a whole and visualizing how different
categories contribute to the total.
Construction
A. Follow the rules of simple bar graphs
B. The vertical scale can either be in absolute values or percentage
C. The graph must start from zero
D. Where time factors is insignificant, bars may be drawn horizontally. However if time factors is
significant, bars should be drawn vertically
E. In order to find a suitable scale, add all the values or quantities for the items for the same year
for the entire period. Graphs for one item are drawn first
F. In order to plot the next graph, add the value or quantity to the value or quantity of the
underlying item
G. The bars should be separated to make interpretation easy
H. Shade each component differently to make interpretation easy
Advantages
a. This graph shows totals more clearly than cumulative line graphs
Disadvantages
a. It is difficult and time-consuming to draw since it involves lengthy calculations
b. It is hard to interpret
c. It is hard to assess the value or quantity of an individual component for a given year
d. It gives an impression of discontinuous production and therefore cannot be used to show rise
and fall of production
2.Pie charts/ divided circles
