This article discusses the relevance of quantitative and qualitative methods in human geography, the importance of honest and open qualitative publications, and the significance of archeological ethics in guiding work. It also explores mixed methods, visual methodologies, and activism geography.
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Running head: POST-POSITIVIST METHODS IN GEOGRAPHY1 Post-Positivist Methods in Geography Name School Date
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POST-POSITIVIST METHODS IN GEOGRAPHY2 Introduction Shepperd, (2001) state that geographers who view their work as a contribution to quantitative geography, as well as those who concentrate on qualitative techniques, possess very little in common. However, they consent that quantitative geography gets embedded within normal science and positivist and empiricist strategies to the field. The qualitative geography representation has faced persistence and stability notwithstanding attempts to deconstruct it. Sheppard, Eric in the article “Quantitative Geography: Representations, Practices, and Possibilities” argue that quantitative geography must remain positivist. The author states that quantitative geography connects quantification with academic and social status quo, positivism and empiricism. In contrast, quantitative geography is viewed as post empiricist, non-empiricist, contextual and possesses the ability to strengthen non-mainstream social groups and academic approaches. I agree with the author that the dualism can be deconstructed and broken down and states that the quantitative geography approaches remain relevant in human geography. Elwood, S. in the article “Mixed Methods: Thinking, Doing, and Asking in Multiple Ways” considers mixed method strategies to those approaches that depend on multiple data types analysis modes, however, the elements may be used in various ways in their relationships for analytical and intellectual reasons. I believe that mixed methods must be viewed as a new opportunity to legitimize and acknowledge their efforts in articulating and conceptualizing their ways that outperform both qualitative and quantitative methods. Wolverton, S., Figueroa, R. and Swentzell, P. in their journal “Archaeology, Heritage, and Moral Terrains: Two Cases from the Mesa Verde Region" conclude that ethical archeological ethical codes remain adequate for providing guidance to scholarship but the
POST-POSITIVIST METHODS IN GEOGRAPHY3 individual archeologists' experiences remain diverse hence detailing individual narrative to remain significant. I agree with the authors that archeological ethics remains important in guiding their work as they can assist them in making informed decisions and producing ethical work. Meryer, G. in the journal “Representing the Other: Negotiating the Personal and the Political” states that representing other remain personal and political and the negotiation conundrums are around people. Viewing otherness as constituted historically results in partial understanding and sharing in qualitative fieldwork publications. I contend with the author that we must create more room for honest and open qualitative publications and think about the research more critically. More so, Routledge, P. in the article “Major Disaster and general Panics: Methodologies of Activism Affinity and Emotion in the Clandestine Insurgent Rebel Clown Army” observes that an activist geography focuses on embodied and grounded political action. The author believes that they activism contributes to social justice and communities that remain environmentally sustainable. I agree that activism geography contributes to social transformation and solves the local issues and hence remain important to the real globe concerns. Additionally, Crag, M. in the article “Visual Methods and Methodologies” feels that utilizing the visual media and photography in geography enhances the awareness of their history. I agree that photography and visual methods act as a means of controlling knowledge and engaging the audiences. In conclusion, it remains important to create more room for honest and open qualitative publications and think about the research more critically. The quantitative geography approaches remain relevant in human geography and have faced persistence and stability notwithstanding attempts to deconstruct it. Dualism in geography can be deconstructed and broken down and that the quantitative geography approaches remain relevant in human geography.
POST-POSITIVIST METHODS IN GEOGRAPHY4 References Craig, M. (n.d).Visual Methods and Methodologies. Retrieved from The Sage Handbook of Qualitative Geography. Elwood, S. (n.d ).Mixed Methods: Thinking, Doing, and Asking in Multiple Ways. Retrieved from The Sage Handbook of Qualitative Geography. Meryer, G. (n.d).Representing the Other: Negotiating the Personal and the Political. Retrieved from The Sage of Quantitative Geography. Routledge, P. ( n.d).Major Disaster and general Panics: Methodologies of Activism Affinity and Emotion in the Clandestine Insurgent Rebel Clown Army. Retrieved from The Sage of Qualitative Geography. Shepperd, E. (2001).Quantitative Geography: Representations, Practices, and Possibilities. Retrieved from Environment and Planning D: Society and Space 2001, volume 19: 535- 554. Wolverton, S., Figueroa, R., & Swentzell, P. (2016).Archaeology, Heritage, and Moral Terrains: Two Cases from the Mesa Verde Region. Retrieved from Research Communication.