Working With Numeric, Spatial, and Visual Data

GEOG 222, Section 001

Fall 2024

Quantitative Analysis Report (QAR) Instructions

The signature assignment for this course is a Quantitative Analysis Report (QAR).  In this assignment, you’ll address an applied research topic (including research questions) that is rooted in space and/or time, describable or explainable with quantitative data, and avoids easy yes/no questions and answers.

The assignment asks you to complete the QAR over the course of the semester in different parts, and then summarize the QAR in a final policy brief.

Your finished QAR will consist of the following elements:

1. Introduction (topic, research significance, and objective/question) 
2. Data (data source, variable(s), advantages/disadvantages of data source) 
3. At least one figure/table 
4. Analysis (a narrative summary of how data in the tables/figures help clarify/address the research objective/question) 
5. Conclusion (summary of the main takeaways and connections to policy, where applicable)

Part 1: Topic Selection & Introduction

Due by Tuesday, September 17^th by 11:59pm.

Worth 50 points. 

For this first part of the QAR, you should address each of the following items:

• The issue, problem, or controversy
• The significance of the problem (i.e., why should you or anyone else be interested in the topic?)
• The study area/location and time
• A focused research objective/question

The introduction doesn’t have to be long (about 200-250 words), but it should be complete, and should include all the components above (topic, research significance, and objective/question).

You don’t yet need to include figures or any data visualizations, but you can if you’d like to. Likewise, you don’t yet need to cite any outside sources, though you should reference sources to choose your topic and refine your questions (and you will need to use, reference, and cite sources in the remaining parts of the QAR).

Topic Selection & Introduction Rubric

Criteria	Good	Developing	Not present or unacceptable
Issue, problem, or controversy	Issue, problem, or controversy is addressed in depth	There is a central issue, problem, or controversy, but it is unclear or lacks depth	Issue, problem, or controversy not present or not included in acceptable depth
Significance	The significance of the problem is outlined in depth	There are some elements or hints of the significance of the problem	Explanation of significance not present or not included in acceptable depth
Focused research objective or question	The research objective or question is specific and focused	There is a research objective or question, but it requires additional focus	Research objective or question not present or not included in acceptable depth

Part 2: Data and Analysis

Due by 

Worth 75 points. 

You’ll continue to develop your QAR with data and analysis sections. 

For your data section, you should include data sources, variables, and the advantages and disadvantages of the sources you’re using. The sources, especially your data sources, should be reputable, and in addition to the databases I’ve shared in class, I recommend these as reputable:

• https://data.gov/
• Any of the databases at this UA Library link: https://data.library.arizona.edu/data-management/best-practices/finding-data
• Any of the databases the university can access: https://libguides.library.arizona.edu/az.php?t=39063 
• The UA Library’s guide to statistics and business statistics: https://libguides.library.arizona.edu/Statistics 

I’ll be looking for about 250-300 words for the data section. In addition to that word count, you should include 5 bullet takeaways.

You should also include at least one figure or table. You should create this visualization yourself.

For your analysis section, you should provide a narrative summary regarding how the data in your data section, including your figures/tables and bullet takeaways, helps to clarify and address the research objectives you proposed in your introduction. Your analysis should be about 350-400 words.

You should begin to include sources and citations in this part of the QAR – at least four for this part of the QAR – both in a Works Cited page at the end and cited properly throughout the two sections. For this part only, you may use any citation style, but for Parts 3 and 4, you will need to use Chicago style, so you may want to begin to use that style now.

Data and Analysis Rubric

Criteria	Good	Developing	Not present or unacceptable
Data	Strong overview of data sources, variables, and the advantages and disadvantages of those reputable sources. Section meets the word count and at least 5 bullets are included.	Inclusion of data sources, variables, and the advantages and disadvantages of those sources, though missing some key details, and/or word count or bullets are slightly short.	Inclusion of some data sources, variables, and/or advantages/disadvantages of sources but missing key inclusion of others, and/or word count is much too short or bullets are absent.
Data Reputability	Data comes from reputable sources (if using secondary data sources) or follows best data collection practices (if using primary data).	Majority of data comes from reputable sources.	Majority of data doesn’t come from reputable sources.
Analysis	Strong narrative summary regarding how the data in your data section, including your figures/tables and bullet takeaways, helps to clarify and address the research objectives you proposed in your introduction. Section meets the word count.	Inclusion of narrative summary that connects your data to your research objectives from Part 1, though missing some key details, and/or word count is slightly short.	Inclusion of some narrative, but lacks depth and/or a clear connection between data and research objectives, and/or word count is much too short.
Data Visualization	Figures, tables, or other visuals complement data and analysis sections well, and reflect principles of effective data visualization.	Figures, tables, or other visuals are present, but aren’t integrated as well as they could be and/or don’t reflect good visualization principles.	Figures, tables, or other visuals aren’t present.
References	Minimum source requirements (4 or more) and includes citations in any style.	Approaches minimum source requirements and/or cites most information in any style.	Doesn’t include many citations and/or doesn’t cite them correctly.

Part 3: Full QAR 

Due by 

Worth 100 points. 

The full and final QAR should include the following elements:

1. Introduction 

• 200-250 words

2. Data (data source, variable(s), advantages/disadvantages of data source)

• 250-300 words
• At least one original figure/table
• 5 bullet takeaways

3. Analysis (a narrative summary of how data in the tables/figures help clarify/address the research objective/question)

• 350-400 words

4. Conclusion (summary of the main takeaways and identifying any limitations)

• 200-250 words

Of these sections, only the conclusion should be entirely new. However, the other sections should show evidence of revision based on feedback from previous submissions.

Figures/tables are a part of the analysis, and should be original.

Full QAR Rubric

Criteria	Good	Developing	Not present or unacceptable
Quality of Research and Topic Selection	The quality of thought regarding the topic is good, the research objectives are well defined, and the research resources supplement the QAR well.	The quality of thought regarding the topic is fair, the research objectives are defined, and the research resources provide some context.	The research topic was unclear, and/or the objectives of the QAR were poorly defined and lacked resources.
Introduction Revision	Introduction has been revised (if necessary) since Part 1 submission.	N/A	Introduction has not been revised since Part 1 submission and revision was necessary.
Data and Analysis	Data and analysis support the QAR’s takeaways well.	Data and analysis support some aspects of the QAR.	Data and analysis are not acceptably present.
Data Revision	Data section has been revised (if necessary) since Part 2 submission.	N/A	Data section has not been revised since Part 2 submission and revision was necessary.
Analysis Revision	Analysis section has been revised (if necessary) since Part 2 submission.	N/A	Analysis section has not been revised since Part 2 submission and revision was necessary.
Data Visualization	Figures, tables, and other visuals complement data and analysis sections well, and reflect principles of effective data visualization.	Figures, tables, or other visuals are present, but aren’t integrated as well as they could be and/or don’t reflect good visualization principles.	Figures, tables, or other visuals aren’t present.
Quality of Writing	QAR is carefully written and its presentation flows well.	QAR is written fairly well, with a reasonable flow.	Writing in QAR requires major revision.
References Requirement	QAR meets minimum source requirements (8 or more).	QAR approaches minimum source requirements (6 or 7).	QAR doesn’t include many citations (5 or fewer).
Citation and Formatting Style	Citations and report formatting in Chicago style.	Most citations and report formatting in Chicago style.	Citations and formatting not in Chicago style.

Part 4: QAR Policy Brief

Due by 

Worth 75 points. 

For the final part of the assignment, you’ll write a 1-page policy brief that explains the research problem or issue, identifies and explains your data sources, presents at least one original data visualization as the foundation of your quantitative analysis, and connects the findings with policy (making recommendations for addressing the problem when possible). The research problem or issue presented in the policy brief should summarize the research presented in your Quantitative Analysis Report (QAR). 

What is a Policy Brief?

Policy briefs are documents that provide policymakers, advocates, or publicly engaged citizens with research and evidence about a policy issue. Briefs also raise awareness of a given issue and offer connections to policy. Compared to traditional research reports, policy briefs present a lot of information in a clear and digestible way, summarizing complex issues for non-technical audiences that can effect change in a given community.

A good place to start reviewing what constitutes a good policy brief is by reviewing research centers at the Harvard Kennedy School of Government (scroll down to the “Policy Briefs and Journals” section), Princeton School of Public and International Affairs, the University of Michigan Ford School of Public Policy, and the University of Chicago Harris School. You can also explore the “Issues” pages of think tanks like the Center for American Progress, the Institute for Women’s Policy Research, and the National League of Cities.

How to Write Your Policy Memo

Required length: 1 page (single-spaced text).

Research and In-Text Citations: The policy memo should include a minimum of 10 reference sources, and you must include in-text citations in your document. Citations should be formatted using the Chicago citation style.

Required Structure: Policy briefs often vary in terms of structure, but most follow a general pattern and include a number of the same elements. For this project, the sections should closely mirror the following:

1. Catchy Title
   1. An interesting and engaging title will make prospective readers want to review the policy brief. Also include date (e.g., December 2024).
2. Problem/Context
   1. This section will closely mirror the Introduction of your QAR, including 1) defining the topic, 2) providing important contextual background information about research objective, and 3) explaining the corresponding research question. You will also briefly explain why you feel that policy intervention is needed (in other words, answering the “So What?” question).
3. Data Source(s)
   1. This section will closely mirror the Data section of your QAR, including the 1) primary data source(s), 2) variables selected, 3) geographic unit of analysis, and 4) strengths/drawbacks of the selected data source(s).
4. Analysis
   1. Includes at least one original table or figure created by you, reflecting the requirements of proper data visualization that we discussed and outlined in class.
   2. A concise and clearly written narrative summary of key takeaways supported by the data visualization(s) that provide address the research question.
5. Conclusion and Connections to Policy
6. Summary of the main takeaways:
   1. Identify and briefly describe at least two policy interventions for addressing the problem based on your research. These interventions will be potential strategies that you encountered in your research for addressing the problem you are discussing. Feel free to think outside the box, but remember your audience: the potential strategies you are considering here must be actions that local government could implement as policy (or promote through some other government function).
7. Works Cited
8. The policy brief should include a minimum of 10 referenced sources, and you must include in-text citations in your document. Citations should be formatted using the Chicago citation style.

Policy Brief Rubric

Criteria	Good	Developing	Not present or unacceptable
Problem / Context	The research question or objective is defined well, the objective is connected well to policy, and the section explains why the problem is important.	There are elements of the problem or context that are defined well, but the section overall misses some important details.	The section doesn’t define its problem or context in sufficient detail.
Data Sources	The data sources are relevant and correspond well to the research objectives. There are clearly articulated strengths and weaknesses of the data sources. The geographic unit of analysis is clearly defined.	The data sources are mostly relevant and correspond fairly well, and there are some elements of strengths, weaknesses, and the geographic unit of analysis, but the section is also missing some key details.	The section is missing important details and context for its data sources.
Analysis	Analysis of data sources supports the brief’s takeaways well. Section is written out (not simply bullets) and summarizes key takeaways that address the problem / context.	Analysis mostly supports the brief’s problem / context but could use more detail, and/or section is not clearly written out.	Analysis section is missing clear connections between data and problem / context of brief.
Data Visualization	Figures, tables, or other visuals complement data and analysis sections well, and reflect principles of effective data visualization.	Figures, tables, or other visuals are present, but aren’t integrated as well as they could be and/or don’t reflect good visualization principles.	Figures, tables, or other visuals aren’t present.
Conclusions and Policy Connections	Connections to policy and recommendations address the research problem, and connections to policy and recommendations situated in the analytical evidence presented in the policy brief.	Some or vague connections to policy and recommendations, but section is missing clarity or detail.	Few, if any, connections to policy or recommendations.
References and Citations	Brief meets minimum source requirements (10 or more) and includes citations in Chicago style.	Brief approaches minimum source requirements and/or cites most information in Chicago style.	Brief doesn’t include many citations and/or doesn’t cite them correctly.
Structure and Professionalism	Brief flows well with respect to presentation of ideas, writing is clear and succinct, and there are few errors (if any).	Brief is written fairly well, with a reasonable flow and a few errors.	Writing requires major revision.