Scales of Analysis

Scale as a Fundamental Concept

• Scale is a fundamental concept in geography, referring to the size or scope of a phenomenon.
• It's crucial to understand map scale (relationship of distance on a map to actual distance) and scale as the size or scope of a phenomenon.
• The skill involves identifying scales of analysis in maps, data, images, and landscapes.

Importance of Scale

• Scale helps focus research; geographers analyze phenomena at different scales to draw conclusions.
• Example: Researching intercropping in Sub-Saharan Africa involves starting locally (e.g., Tanzanian province of Tabura), then collecting data across Tanzania to generalize at the regional scale.
• Geographers select the scale appropriate for their research questions, ranging from local to global.
• Global scale is increasingly important due to geospatial technology, helping understand how changes in one place affect others.

Interaction of Scales

• Scales interact; the global economy can lead to specialization at a local scale.
• Example: A local village in Tanzania changes its economy to accommodate tourists visiting for wildlife observation.

Scale of Analysis Defined

• Scale determines the level at which geographic data is analyzed.
• Example: Analyzing AP Human Geography student scores at global, national (U.S.), state (Tennessee), county, school, or class levels.

Scale of Analysis on Maps

• Maps can be analyzed at different scales.
• A global map showing temperature can be used for regional analysis (e.g., South America's mean temperature).
• Different scales reveal or hide information; a map of U.S. electoral votes by state hides the fact that some counties within a state voted differently.

Scale of Analysis in Quantitative and Geospatial Data

• Census data is a good example.
• A table showing median household income for the U.S., California, and a specific county presents data at different scales.
• A table showing median household income for selected counties in California presents data at the same (county) scale.
• Drawing conclusions about a local scale based solely on state-level data can be a fallacy.
• Example: In California, analyzing scale shows how the median household income varies widely among the counties.

Scale of Analysis in Images and Landscapes

• Images and landscapes analyzed at different scales provide different information.
• Images can give information about city layout and cultural landscapes.
• A close-up image of a few blocks in Las Vegas won't provide information about the city's population density compared to a broader shot of the entire city.
• Images have limits; population density may not be discernible from a small-scale image.

Practical Examples of Choosing a Scale

• Town mayor deciding on a traffic light location: Local scale.
• Comparing life expectancy in Western and Eastern Europe: Regional scale.
• Determining which state needs funding based on population: National/Country scale.
• Analyzing the territory size of Canada vs. Russia: Global scale.

Key Takeaway

• Geographers must use data at the appropriate scale and move between scales to solve problems and draw conclusions.
• Patterns and processes at different scales reveal variations in data.

Scales of Analysis: Informing Decisions

• Scale can influence behaviors and decisions.
• Geographers look at processes at different scales to see how they work differently.
• Example: Governance structures from global (United Nations) to national (U.S. Federal Government) to local (town mayor).

Patterns at Various Scales

• Geographers analyze phenomena at different scales to see if patterns remain the same or change.
• Patterns may look different depending on the scale.

Variations in Data

• Data at one level may tell a vastly different story than data at another level.
• This can lead to contradictory conclusions.
• Example: A disease might be spreading less nationally but still be a problem in a specific region or local hotspot.

Different Interpretations

• Scale affects how people interpret information, leading to different conclusions.
• Example: Population maps at the state and county levels lead to different strategies for resource distribution.
• A state-level map may suggest resources are evenly distributed, while a county-level map shows where resources are needed most.

Practice Question

• Question: Which set of maps would help explain how scale of inquiry affects truth?
• Answer: C, maps showing Michigan's population density by county and the United States population density by state.
• Explanation: This highlights different levels of analysis (county vs. state).
• County map provides detailed local population concentrations.
• State map only shows overall population without specific locations.

Altering Understanding

• Scale of analysis can alter how people understand problems and solutions.
• It can inform policy decisions, change understanding of risk, influence factory location, and affect political strategies. Be mindful of scales of analysis.