Mixed qualitative-simulation methods: understanding geography through thick and thin

Millington, J.; Wainwright, J.

doi:10.1177/0309132515627021

Mixed qualitative-simulation methods: understanding geography through thick and thin

Millington, J.; Wainwright, J.

Authors

J. Millington

Professor John Wainwright john.wainwright@durham.ac.uk
Professor

Abstract

Across geography there has been variable engagement with the use of simulation and agent-based modelling. We argue that agent-based simulation provides a complementary method to investigate geographical issues which need not be used in ways that are epistemologically different in kind from some other approaches in contemporary geography. We propose mixed qualitative-simulation methods that iterate back-and-forth between ‘thick’ (qualitative) and ‘thin’ (simulation) approaches and between the theory and data they produce. These mixed methods accept simulation modelling as process and practice; a way of using computers with concepts and data to ensure social theory remains embedded in day-to-day geographical thinking.

Citation

Millington, J., & Wainwright, J. (2017). Mixed qualitative-simulation methods: understanding geography through thick and thin. Progress in Human Geography, 41(1), 68-88. https://doi.org/10.1177/0309132515627021

Journal Article Type	Article
Acceptance Date	Dec 21, 2015
Online Publication Date	Feb 4, 2016
Publication Date	Feb 1, 2017
Deposit Date	Feb 11, 2016
Publicly Available Date	Feb 12, 2016
Journal	Progress in Human Geography
Print ISSN	0309-1325
Electronic ISSN	1477-0288
Publisher	SAGE Publications
Peer Reviewed	Peer Reviewed
Volume	41
Issue	1
Pages	68-88
DOI	https://doi.org/10.1177/0309132515627021
Keywords	Agent-based model, Explanation, Modelling, Mixed methods, Simulation.

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