Welsh Journals

Personal Motives, Scientific Processes and the Problems of Inference Key Areas in Human Geographical Research. _< c.ŵaTx T.K.MARSDEN Department of Social Policy, University College of Swansea 4 1984 (Received May 1983) Abstract This paper outlines some of the major areas of concern facing human geography postgraduates under the headings of personal motives, scientific processes and the more particular problems of inference from statistical analyses. It is argued that such areas of concern need much more consideration in the development of research training programmes. Introduction This is a halting time for postgraduates. On the one hand there con- tinues considerable discussion about geographical approaches, with the tendency towards the adoption of new ways of proceeding to- wards explanation and understanding (see Johnston 1980; Sayer 1982). On the other hand, due largely to the tightening of research funding and a move of emphasis towards more public accountability in research, there may be a tendency for postgraduates to adhere to the more established positivist methods of enquiry and analysis, if only to ensure speedy progress and completion. This may be re- inforced by grant awarding bodies positively encouraging research training which concentrates on quantification and the use of comput- ers (see Smith 1981, p. 264). This article will examine some of the issues that arise in our attempts to produce finished pieces of research given these rapidly changing, and often diverging circumstances. It will pinpoint general areas of commonality and relate individual researchers objectives and motivations to the more formal research experience. The implicit assumption that is often made between academic research on the one hand and the rational free-thinking, ever en- quiring postgraduate on the other needs much more consideration if we are to understand the meaning of successful academic pursuit or, alternatively, the absence of it.