Further Reading

Further reading links to supplement your studies.

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  • Cidell (2010) explores the use of content clouds as exploratory qualitative data analysis. Content clouds have become popular online tools as they provide visual summaries of the content of a document. In this article, the author uses two examples to demonstrate the possibilities of this method in research which utilises qualitative secondary data.
    Cidell, J. (2010) ‘Content clouds as exploratory qualitative data analysis’, Area 42(4): 514–23.
  • Fotheringham, Brunsdon and Charlton (2000) discuss the application of quantitative methods with practical examples which are of particular relevance to student research projects. The authors also explain the philosophy of the new quantitative methodologies.
    Fotheringham, A. S, Brunsdon, C. and Charlton, M. (2000) Quantitative Geography: Perspectives on Spatial Data Analysis. London: Sage.
  • Koteyko, Jaspal and Nerlich (2013) explore a framework for analysing a recent source of qualitative secondary data – online reader comments. They analyse comments published on a UK tabloid newspaper website before and after ‘ClimateGate’ to reveal the ways in which stereotypes of science and politics are appropriated in this type of discourse.
    Koteyko, N., Jaspal, R. and Nerlich, B. (2013) ‘Climate change and “climategate” in online reader comments: a mixed methods study’, The Geographical Journal, 179(1): 74–86.
  • Mason (2002) addresses some of the key issues involved in qualitative research, including ways of using qualitative secondary data sources. The philosophies underpinning qualitative research are discussed.
    Mason, J. (2002) Qualitative Researching , 2nd edn. London: Sage.
    Mason, J (2011) Facet Methodology: the Case for an Inventive Research Orientation. Methodological Innovations Online, 6(3): 75‒92.
  • Singleton (2012) uses geo-demographic analysis (using some of the sources discussed in this chapter) to reveal that pupils living in more affluent and less ethnically diverse areas record the highest rates of participation and attainment in GCSE Geography. The author uses several secondary datasets and provides a good starting point for student researchers interested in geo-demographics.
    Singleton, A. D. (2012) ‘The geodemographics of access and participation in Geography’, The Geographical Journal, 178(3):  216–29.

Online resources