Geographers can use a range of long-standing or ‘classic’ methods to conduct their research. These include:

• Textual analysis
   
• Archive work
   
• In-depth, semi-structured interviews
   
• Focus groups
   
• Participant observation/ethnography
   
• Questionnaire surveys
   
• Big data
   
• Maps and GIS

It is useful to read about methods before embarking on your research as the literature helps us to think about what issues might arise in employing data collection tools in practice Key Methods in Geography (Sage, second or third edition) offers the most comprehensive guide.