On Perks and Pokes
Arthur H. Robinson · Economic Geography · 1961
The recent and remarkable expansion of statistical research methods has clearly reached geography. Whether its eager adoption by some stems from an honest desire to get at substantive problems more efficiently, or merely from a desire to appear scientifically more respectable, is an interesting question but one hardly worth investigation. On the other hand, the fact that there has been such a development is apparently a matter of considerable moment, judging from the volume of editorials, reviews, and substantive proposals and papers that take direct and oblique looks at it. Geography seems currently to be rather strongly divided regarding the utility of quantitative research techniques; in any group to which new ideas are introduced one may observe: the avant garde which commits itself rapidly, wholly, and often rather thoughtlessly; the garde arriere, which reacts almost instinctively against change; and a larger number that, either through openness of mind or mugwumpism, adopts a watchful wait-and-see attitude. As one might expect, the differences between the extremists in geography are in matters of degree; the most inspired of the visionaries admit, grudgingly perhaps, that some things can't be counted, and the archconservatives are not altogether against arithmetic. Yet the differences appear great enough to make it worthwhile to take yet another look at the causes championed by those one may call the hyperquantifiers as opposed to the hypoquantifiers, and especially at the former who represent the innovators. We have been led up the gar-