QUANTITATIVE REVOLUTION

Introduction

The application of statistical and mathematical techniques, theorems and proofs in understanding geographical systems is known as the ‘quantitative revolution’ in geography.

Statistical method is first introduced in geography in the early 1950. Except of descriptive statistics, there was also some attempt at hypothesis testing using, i.e. Chi-Square. Bivariate Regression Analysis followed shortly but it was not until the 1960 that the General Linear Model was fully explored. It was I. Burton who published a research paper, “The Quantitative Revolution, and Theoretical Geography”, in the ‘Canadian Geographer in 1963.

There has been confusion among the geographers and the public mind about the nature and social relevance of geography, especially after the Second World War. The status of geography as a university discipline was under discussion. In 1948, James Conant, President of the Harvard University, had reportedly come to the conclusion that, ‘Geography is not a university subject’. The Department of Geography of Harvard University was closed soon after and the discipline of geography was gradually eased out in many of the private universities of USA. The continual threat of department closure or staff reduction also led to frantic search in American Universities for new ideas and research programmes. This resulted into the development of the ‘spatial science school’, also called ‘quantitative revolution’ in geography.

Historical Perspective of Quantitative Revolution:

The quantitative revolution was introduced in 1950s. The inspiration for mathematical modeling came from at least two sources.

1. Social Physics: Which focused initially on the ‘Gravity Model’ and later on ‘Entropy Maximization’.
2. Neoclassical Economics: Which influenced on geography principally through the regional science movement and ‘Location Theory’?

In Britain Richard Chorley and Peter Haggett, both from Cambridge University, applied quantitative techniques vigorously to explain and interpret geographical patterns and spatial relations. The models which gave a new dimension in the nature of geography have been given below:

1. Crop Intensity Model- Von Thunen- 1826
2. Industrial Location Theory- Alfred Weber- 1909
3. Central Place Theory- Christaller- 1933
4. Crop Combination Regions- Weaver- 1954
5. A New Approach to Functional Classification of Towns- S.M. Rafiullah- 1965

Assumptions:

1. Man is rational/economic person who always tries to maximize his profits.
2. Man has infinite knowledge of his space (environment and resources).
3. Earth as an isotropic surface.
4. There is no place for the normative questions (social value) in scientific research and objective interpretation of the geographical reality.
5. They assumed that the normative questions, like cultural values, beliefs, attitudes, customs, traditions, likes and dislikes, prejudice, and aesthetic values have no place in geographical research and scientific explanation of geographical patterns.

Objectives:

1. To change the descriptive character of the subject and to make it a scientific discipline.
2. To explain and interpret the spatial patterns of geographical phenomena in rational, objective and cogent manner.
3. To use mathematical language instead of the language of literature, like ‘AF’ in Koppen’s classification of climate which stands for the ‘tropical rainforest’?
4. To make precise statements about locational order.
5. To test hypothesis and formulate models, theories and laws for estimations and predictions.
6. To identify the ideal locations for the various activities so that the profit may be maximized by the resource users.
7. To provide geography sound philosophical and theoretical base and to make its methodology objective and scientific.