Читать книгу GIS Research Methods - Steven J. Steinberg - Страница 91

In defining the problem, you want to think more specifically about how you can narrow your topic. Having a good, solid definition of the problem will focus your research as you proceed with the project. We advise writing out a problem statement that includes the following four components:

1. An introduction to the topic

2. Established relevance or importance by citing the established literature

3. Background on your topic

4. A specific problem related to a particular issue or research hypothesis

To include a GIS in your definition of the problem, you need to think about what units of analysis you are interested in comparing. Are you interested in investigating an issue by looking at different groups who live in different places? Would it be more fitting to examine the same group over time? How you want to investigate your research question—meaning what groups, geographic locations, and issues your study involves—is important to know up front. Once you have determined these issues, you can begin collecting already existing GIS data that relate to your topic or creating data that pertain to your topic, or both.