Samfunnsgeografenes forskningsmetoder

The text outlines the methodological toolkit of human geographers, distinguishing between quantitative and qualitative approaches. It explains the use of text analysis (from social media to archives), quantitative data for causal inference and pattern recognition, GIS for spatial analysis, and qualitative tools such as semi-structured interviews and focus groups. Additionally, it covers the role of visual data (remote sensing and photography) and the importance of field presence through ethnography and observation.

• Human geography employs both quantitative and qualitative methodologies. Quantitative geographers use statistical analysis to draw conclusions for larger samples, while qualitative geographers focus on the meaning within smaller samples. The field also emphasizes spatial data sources, particularly Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and spatial analysis.
• Text analysis in human geography ranges from discourse and narrative analysis of social media (such as Weibo) and archives to the study of planning documents. Modern tools and language models now allow for quantitative text analysis, such as sentiment analysis and word frequency, to map themes across space and time.
• Quantitative methods are used to describe spatial patterns and investigate causal inference—identifying how a change in one variable leads to a change in another. This process requires 'operationalization,' which is the translation of abstract concepts (like quality of life) into measurable indicators.
• Spatial data is analysed through three primary understandings of space: absolute space (coordinates and measurable distances), relative space (travel time and accessibility), and relational space (space created through social relations and practices).
• Conversation-based research includes life history interviews to capture personal geographies, semi-structured interviews (including elite interviews with corporate leaders), and focus groups to explore group dynamics and political distance.
• Visual data is utilised through remote sensing (satellite and drone imagery) to monitor environmental change or conflict damage in inaccessible areas, as well as through photography and 'auto-photography,' where participants take their own photos to show their perspective of a place.
• Presence-based strategies include ethnographic studies requiring long-term immersion in a culture, digital ethnography for online communities, and observational methods. Innovative techniques include 'walking interviews' (go-along interviews) to understand how physical landscapes influence social practice.

APA

Tollefsen, A. F., & Jordhus-Lier, D. (n.d.). Samfunnsgeografenes forskningsmetoder. Peace Research Institute Oslo. https://cdn.cloud.prio.org/files/27fb36f0-5cc9-476c-969c-a7a7fce6c868/9788202899028_kap_5 1.pdf?inline=true

Chicago

Tollefsen, Andreas Forø, and David Jordhus-Lier. Samfunnsgeografenes forskningsmetoder. Peace Research Institute Oslo, n.d. https://cdn.cloud.prio.org/files/27fb36f0-5cc9-476c-969c-a7a7fce6c868/9788202899028_kap_5 1.pdf?inline=true.

Wikipedia

{{cite report |last1=Tollefsen |first1=Andreas Forø |last2=Jordhus-Lier |first2=David |title=Samfunnsgeografenes forskningsmetoder |publisher=Peace Research Institute Oslo |url=https://cdn.cloud.prio.org/files/27fb36f0-5cc9-476c-969c-a7a7fce6c868/9788202899028_kap_5 1.pdf?inline=true |access-date=23 October 2026 |via=Climate Insights Directory}}

BibTeX

@techreport{tollefsenndsamfunnsgeografenes, author = {Tollefsen, Andreas Forø and Jordhus-Lier, David}, title = {{Samfunnsgeografenes forskningsmetoder}}, institution = {Peace Research Institute Oslo}, url = {https://cdn.cloud.prio.org/files/27fb36f0-5cc9-476c-969c-a7a7fce6c868/9788202899028_kap_5 1.pdf?inline=true}, urldate = {2026-10-23}, note = {Indexed by Climate Insights Directory} }