Comparing statistical inference and spatial analysis in geomorphology : a case study of Rietvlei Nature Reserve, Gauteng

Abstract

This dissertation presents the findings of a study that was undertaken in order to investigate the differences in conclusions drawn based on the method of analysis. Specifically, the conclusions drawn using inferential statistics was compared to the conclusions drawn using spatial analysis. The peatlands of Rietvlei Nature Reserve was selected as the landscape unit for this study and two soil attributes, namely soil pH and soil carbon, was investigated. Prior to data analysis outliers were identified and removed using the interquartile method. The findings suggest that there are indeed large differences between the conclusions drawn using the various approaches with the spatial analysis revealing larger differences between the two study sites. It is argued that the limitations imposed by the nature of geographic data need to be taken into consideration when any statistical or spatial analysis is carried out.