examples of quantitative research ap human geography

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In This Article Expand or collapse the "in this article" section Quantitative Methods in Human Geography

Introduction, general overviews.

• Reference Resources
• Elementary Textbooks
• Advanced Spatial Statistics Textbooks
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• Spatial Regression Models
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• Categorical Data Analysis
• Longitudinal Methods
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• Bayesian Methods and Spatial Analysis
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• Future Directions for Quantitative Methods and Spatial Analysis

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Quantitative Methods in Human Geography by Suzanne Davies Withers LAST REVIEWED: 26 February 2013 LAST MODIFIED: 26 February 2013 DOI: 10.1093/obo/9780199874002-0053

The term “quantitative research” refers to the systematic scientific investigation of quantitative properties and phenomena and their relationships, by using statistical methods. It includes the analysis of numerical spatial data, the development of spatial theory, and the constructing and testing of mathematical models of spatial processes. As geographers know, spatial analysis is very important. The aim of spatial analysis is to understand differences across space rather than regularities. Quantitative methods have been an integral part of human geography since the quantitative revolution of the 1950s. Quantitative methods in the early 21st century are vastly more sophisticated than their earlier counterparts. Since the early 1990s, in particular, the interest in georeferenced data and the need to understand it have led to an enormous field of spatial analysis. By the late 1990s, the field of spatial analysis had matured to the point where the methods of spatial analysis served as fundamental research techniques in a variety of disciplines, including geography, ecology, environmental studies, epidemiology, regional science, sociology, and urban planning. The quantitative methods of yesteryear have given way to a complex field of spatial analysis that serves as a unifying methodology for social science in general.

The breadth of quantitative methods and spatial analysis is vast. Consequently, very few articles are available that provide an overview of the field in general. Murray 2010 provides a traditional account of quantitative methods in geography, in a paper prepared for the 50th anniversary of the Journal of Regional Science . Kwan 2010 presents an overview of methods papers published in the last one hundred years in the Annals of the Association of American Geographers , but quantitative methods is a subfield of the larger history that Kwan describes. Goodchild, et al. 2000 makes a strong case for spatial analysis integrating the social sciences. This article is based on a National Science Foundation (NSF) infrastructure grant proposal. The funding of this grant led to the Center for Spatially Integrated Social Sciences (CSISS), the collaboration of many spatial scholars, and the dissemination of spatial statistical methods and materials. Goodchild, et al. 2000 provides a sense of the progress made in the field of spatial analysis. Goodchild and Janelle 2004 provides very informative chapters on a range of substantive fields in the social sciences for which spatial science has become integral. The volume conveys the breadth of spatial analysis throughout the social sciences. A number of handbooks provide an exceptional overview of the breadth of the field, each chapter addressing an important avenue of research. For the intermediate to advanced level, Fischer and Getis 2010 offers a broad collection of papers on spatial analysis by leading scholars in the field. At a more accessible level, Fotheringham and Rogerson 2009 is a superb collection in this wonderfully systematic volume that includes chapters on spatial data, the geographic information system (GIS), geovisualization, spatial data mining, spatial autocorrelation, the modifiable areal unit problem (MAUP), spatial weights, spatial interpolation, spatial sampling, statistical inference, fuzzy sets, geographically weighted regression, spatial regression, spatial microsimulation, spatial pattern dynamics, geocomputation, spatial interaction tools, challenges, and the future status of spatial analysis.

Fischer, Manfred M., and Arthur Getis, eds. Handbook of Applied Spatial Analysis: Software Tools, Methods, and Applications . Berlin: Springer, 2010.

DOI: 10.1007/978-3-642-03647-7

Wonderful collection of accomplished contributing authors. Reads like a “who’s who” of spatial analysis. Handbook includes ten chapters on spatial analysis software, six on spatial statistical methods, seven on spatial econometrics, three on analysis of remotely sensed data, and nine on applications in numerous fields. Provides an excellent breadth of the field of spatial analysis for intermediate to advanced levels.

Fotheringham, A. Stewart, and Peter A. Rogerson, eds. The SAGE Handbook of Spatial Analysis . London: SAGE, 2009.

This superior, comprehensive handbook provides a retrospective and prospective account of spatial analysis. If only one reference source is used, this is the one to choose. Superb, extensive bibliographies accompany chapters by leading scholars in the field. Provides important breadth and depth of spatial analysis in geographic research and more.

Goodchild, Michael F., Luc Anselin, Richard P. Appelbaum, and Barbara H. Harthorn. “Toward Spatially Integrated Social Science.” International Regional Science Review 23.2 (2000): 139–159.

Spatially integrated social science could be called the perspective that launched a thousand ships. This article details the significance of space and place in the social sciences, including business and networks, community studies, criminal justice, environmental change, health and disease, social and economic inequality, and urban studies. A call to integrate and disseminate spatial knowledge. Available online for purchase or by subscription.

Goodchild, Michael F., and Donald G. Janelle, eds. Spatially Integrated Social Science . New York: Oxford University Press, 2004.

Twenty-one chapters representing applications of spatial analysis at four scales: individual and household levels, neighborhood-level analysis, regional-level analysis, and multiscale spatial perspectives. Material is a little dated, but chapters provide excellent overviews of the potential of spatial methodologies in specific topic areas, ranging from residential mobility to crime, business, and economic policy.

Kwan, Mei-Po. “A Century of Method-Oriented Scholarship in the Annals .” Annals of the Association of American Geographers 100.5 (2010): 1060–1075.

DOI: 10.1080/00045608.2010.523341

A light read. Commissioned for the 100th anniversary of the Annals , this article provides a thorough historical account of the contribution and variation in quantitative methods over time. Important developmental perspective for quantitative methods and spatial analysis within the discipline. Of note, tables 2 and 3 list most frequently cited methods papers. Available online for purchase or by subscription.

Murray, Alan T. “Quantitative Geography.” Journal of Regional Science 50.1 (2010): 143–163.

DOI: 10.1111/j.1467-9787.2009.00642.x

Very traditional conception of quantitative methods. Reviews descriptive statistical measures (mean, variance, higher-ordered moments, and correlation), classic statistical models (regression, analysis of variance, principal components, factor analysis, and multidimensional scaling), nonparametric approaches, and spatial statistical subareas: point pattern analysis, spatial autocorrelation, spatial statistical models, and exploratory spatial data analysis—techniques unique in quantitative geography. Available online for purchase or by subscription.

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The Complete Guide to AP Human Geography FRQs

Advanced Placement (AP)

The free-response section is the hardest part of any AP test. Although AP Human Geography is much more straightforward than some other humanities AP exams, if you don't have your stuff down, the free-response section can still hit you where it hurts.

In this article, we'll go through the structure of the free-response section, some helpful tips for answering AP Human Geography FRQs , examples of what these free-response questions look like, and a few places where you can find the best practice materials.

AP Human Geography Free Response Section Format

There are three questions on the free-response section, each worth 7 raw points. You'll get one hour and 15 minutes to answer all three questions, or about 25 minutes per question. Your free-response score accounts for half your AP Human Geography test score (the other half comes from your multiple-choice section score).

Here's what you must do for each question, according to the College Board :

• Describe, explain, apply geographic situation or scenario (no stimulus)
• Describe, explain, apply geographic data using data, image, or map (one quantitative or qualitative source)
• Describe, explain, apply geographic data using data, image, and/or map (two sources, qualitative and/or quantitative)

Note that a "stimulus" is a quantitative or qualitative source , such as a chart or table. As you can see above, you'll get no source for question 1, one for question 2, and two for question 3.

How to Answer AP Human Geography FRQs: 4-Step Guide

Before we get into examples with answer explanations, let's go over the essential steps you must take in order to effectively answer these types of questions .

AP Human Geography free-response questions are typically pretty straightforward so you can attack them in a methodical fashion. Here's a sample question from the 2020 Course and Exam Description that I'll use as a reference so you can see how the different steps apply:

Step 1: Read the Introductory Statement

Before you start in on the first part of the question, be sure to read the short introductory blurb. It sets up the topic you'll be analyzing and gives you firmer ground to stand on when addressing the rest of the question.

In the sample question above, the introductory statement makes it clear that the question will deal with states, national governments, and tensions between the two.

Reading all the introductory statements for the three free-response questions in the section before you start answering any of the individual parts can help you decide where to begin. If you see a topic that is especially familiar, you might go for that question first as you'll be able to answer it the fastest.

Step 2: Identify the Task Verb (and Understand What It Means)

In each part of the question (A-G), it's a good idea to underline the specific task verb at play, that is, what it's asking you to do. This should help you keep yourself on track when responding to the question. Identifying these verbs will also get you in the habit of paying closer attention to the differences between each of the tasks.

Here are the most commonly used task verbs on the exam, according to the College Board :

Compare: Provide a description or explanation of similarities and/or differences.

Define: Provide a specific meaning for a word or concept.

Describe: Provide the relevant characteristics of a specified topic.

Explain: Provide information about how or why a relationship, process, pattern, position, or outcome occurs, using evidence and/or reasoning.

Identify: Indicate or provide information about a specified topic, without elaboration or explanation.

For example, a question that asks you to "identify" something will merit a much more succinct answer than one that asks you to "describe" it.

In part A of the sample question, the key command is "define," meaning you could just give a one-sentence answer that clearly outlines what a multinational state is. In part E, the task verb is "describe," which denotes a longer answer that elaborates on an example of a centripetal force that governments use.

Finally, parts B, C, D, F, and G all use the command verb "explain," which means you will really have to go into detail to earn a point for each part of the question.

Ultimately, you'll save time and earn points if you're careful to make these distinctions among task verbs!

Step 3: Reread and Double-Check Your Answer

Once you've finished writing your answer, reread the question and your response to make sure you've done everything it asked you to do . If you're satisfied, move on to the next part of the question, and repeat the process of identifying task verbs and trying to get the full point offered at each part of the question (always labeled A-G).

After you finish the last part of a particular free-response question, check over all your answers for that question one last time to ensure that everything is the way you want it to be. Then you can move on to the next free-response question.

Step 4: Pace Yourself

This is more of a general tip for the AP Human Geography test, but as you work through the three free-response questions, make sure that you're keeping track of time and pacing yourself .

As a reminder, you'll have one hour and 15 minutes to complete three FRQs. This means you'll get about 25 minutes per question; however, it'll be better for you to try to complete each question within 20 minutes . This way you'll have some extra time at the end to go back and look over your answers and tweak them if needed.

Review your answers with a second, more critical eye. I think this picture is photoshopped, but I don't know for sure because I don't feel like Googling, "Can you have two pupil/iris combos within one eyeball?" Just kidding, I did Google it, and it's probably not a thing, but not even the internet knows for sure . OoOoOoOo.

AP Human Geography FRQ Example + Answers

In this section, we'll go through the answer to a sample free-response question from the 2020 AP Human Geography Course and Exam Description .

This question is an example of question 3 on the Human Geography exam. As you can see, there are two stimuli (a table and a photograph) and seven parts (A-G), each worth 1 point .

In order to earn full credit, here is what you'd need to write down as your answer, per the official scoring guidelines . (Note that there are multiple possible answers you could put down for A-G.) As always, pay careful attention to the task verbs being used!

(A) Answer Options

• Delhi is classified as a megacity because it has a total population greater than 10 million.
• From 1991 to 2011, Delhi's total population grew to over 10 million.

(B) Answer Options

Many people move to Delhi from rural areas and smaller cities ...

• in search of employment opportunities.
• in the hopes of improving their income or quality of life.
• to join family members or friends already living in Delhi.
• to have better access to services, health care, or education.

(C) Answer Options

• The city's center increases in the size, height, and/or number of large apartment buildings and condominium that attract a growing population of middle-class workers in the country's capital.
• Infilling occurs where open space presents an economic opportunity for landowners to build small multi-family housing units, placing more people into existing city blocks.
• The government is increasing its provision of public housing in apartment blocks within the city, which provide larger buildings with multi-family housing units.

(D) Answer Options

• A need for additional public transportation lines and/or added capacity on existing transit systems.
• A need for improved sanitation, water supply, waste disposal, or wastewater treatment facilities.
• A need for more housing, especially for lower-income residents.
• A need for improved communication or electric utility infrastructure.
• A need for additional public schools, colleges, universities, and/or libraries.

(E) Answer Options

Increased number of vehicles on the roadways results in visible air pollution, fog, smog, and/or airborne chemicals that lead to ...

• health problems.
• transportation accidents.
• diverting potential economic investment in the city.

(F) Answer Options

• India is a less developed country which has limited government funding to pay for pollution abatement programs (such as alternative fuels) or large investments in public transit.
• India has a growing industrial sector which has limited environmental regulations such as controls on air pollution. Industrial air emissions contribute to the city's air pollution levels.
• India has a large rural population and urban poor population who are dependent on burning wood for home heating and cooking. The smoke increases the city's air pollution levels.
• During the dry season, farmers in northern India will burn the dead vegetation in their fields (following the harvest) to improve soil nutrients. The smoke can increase the city's air pollution levels.
• As India's economy grows, more people can afford to own cars or buy trucks for their businesses. The additional vehicle increases the total amount of air pollution.

(G) Answer Options

• Transportation-oriented development of new housing, industrial and retailing areas. Or, laws requiring new developments be constructed with bus lanes, train lines, and stations.
• Vehicle restrictions, high-occupancy requirements, tolls, or congestion pricing to limit the number of vehicles on the roads.
• Smart-growth policies, slow-growth, or zoning policies that restrict the amount of land that can be developed or create a development boundary or greenbelt around the city.
• Alternative electrical energy and/or alternative fuel programs that are cleaner-burning or have zero emissions.
• New Urbanism or mixed land-use developments where workers live, shop, and work within walkable distances.

How to Practice AP Human Geography FRQs

You can find plenty of AP Human Geography free-response questions (and their corresponding answer guidelines) online.

The College Board maintains a collection of real free-response exam questions that were administered between 2001 and 2021 with sample responses and scoring guidelines. This is the best resource for FRQs because you can rest assured that they're accurate representations of what you'll see on the exam in terms of content and difficulty level.

While there's nothing wrong with using free-response questions crafted by test-prep companies for preliminary practice, you should always incorporate official questions into your studying at frequent intervals.

Other free options include high-quality, unofficial practice tests . Check out our guide to all AP Human Geography practice tests you can use for tips on what to prioritize in your prep.

What's Next?

Want an overview of the whole AP Human Geography exam with examples of both multiple-choice and free-response questions? Then take a look at our expert guide to Human Geography .

Looking for more resources to use in preparing for this tricky AP test? Check out my ultimate study guide for AP Human Geography !

If you want more free-response practice, then you might consider getting an AP review book to supplement the online resources listed in this article . Here is a list of the best review books for AP Human Geography .

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Samantha is a blog content writer for PrepScholar. Her goal is to help students adopt a less stressful view of standardized testing and other academic challenges through her articles. Samantha is also passionate about art and graduated with honors from Dartmouth College as a Studio Art major in 2014. In high school, she earned a 2400 on the SAT, 5's on all seven of her AP tests, and was named a National Merit Scholar.

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The Ultimate Guide to Acing the AP Human Geography Exam

By Eric Eng

Every year, high school students can take Advanced Placement (AP) Exams offered by the College Board . Although each exam has an associated AP Course, any student can take the AP tests. The AP Human Geography Exam is one of the most popular options for self-studiers.

While many students still opt to enroll in the AP Human Geography Course, the exam is conducive to self-studying because of the intense focus on specific theory and vocabulary. Regardless of whether you’ve taken the AP Course, you’ll need to understand major field-related concepts thoroughly and possess relevant skills to successfully handle the AP Human Geography Exam. AdmissionSight has answered some of the most common questions regarding this exam in the following guide. To help students make the most of this exam, we explain what you’ll be tested on, how the exam is broken down, and the most effective study methods.

What is the AP Human Geography Exam?

The AP Human Geography Exam is a standardized test administered by the College Board. It is designed to assess students’ knowledge and understanding of human geography. The exam consists of multiple-choice questions and free-response questions. It is typically taken by high school students who have completed a course in AP Human Geography.

Human geography is a fascinating field that explores the relationship between people and their environments. It delves into the patterns and processes that shape our world, examining population, migration, culture, language, religion, and urbanization. By studying human geography, students understand how societies are organized and how they interact with their surroundings.

The AP Human Geography Exam allows students to showcase their understanding of these complex concepts. The multiple-choice section tests their knowledge of key terms, concepts, and theories, while the free-response section allows them to apply their knowledge to real-world scenarios. This comprehensive assessment ensures that students have a solid grasp of the subject matter and are prepared for further studies in geography or related fields.

Preparing for the AP Human Geography Exam involves more than just memorizing facts and figures. It requires critical thinking skills, the ability to analyze data and maps, and the capacity to make connections between different geographic phenomena. Students must be able to think spatially and understand how various factors interact to shape human behavior and the physical landscape.

During the exam, students are challenged to think critically and apply their knowledge to solve problems. They may be asked to analyze demographic data, interpret maps and graphs, or explain the impact of human activities on the environment. Students can earn college credit and stand out in college admissions by demonstrating their understanding of these complex concepts.

Furthermore, the AP Human Geography Exam provides students with valuable skills that extend beyond the classroom. The ability to think critically, analyze data, and make informed decisions is highly sought in many careers, including urban planning, environmental management, international relations, and market research. By mastering the content and skills tested on the exam, students are better prepared for future academic and professional success.

Why is the AP Human Geography Exam important?

The AP Human Geography Exam is essential because it can earn you college credit or advanced placement in college. By earning a high score on the exam, you can demonstrate your proficiency in the subject and potentially save time and money by skipping introductory college courses. Additionally, the exam can be a valuable evaluation tool for measuring your understanding of human geography.

Human geography is a fascinating field that explores the relationship between people and their environment. It delves into population distribution, cultural patterns, economic systems, urban development, and political organization. The AP Human Geography Exam allows students to showcase their knowledge and skills in these areas.

One of the key benefits of taking the AP Human Geography Exam is the potential to earn college credit. Many colleges and universities offer credit or advanced placement to students who score well on the exam. This means that you can start your college journey with a head start, having already completed a college-level course in human geography. Not only does this save you time, but it can also save you money by reducing the number of studies you need to take in college.

Moreover, the exam is a valuable evaluation tool for students and educators. For students, it provides an opportunity to assess their understanding of human geography and identify areas where they may need to develop their knowledge further. It allows them to gauge their progress and determine their strengths and weaknesses.

The AP Human Geography Exam helps educators evaluate the effectiveness of their teaching methods and curriculum. It provides valuable feedback on how well students have grasped the concepts and skills taught throughout the course. This feedback can improve instruction and ensure students are adequately prepared for college-level work.

Furthermore, the AP Human Geography Exam encourages critical thinking and analytical skills. It requires students to analyze and interpret data, maps, and other geographic information. This enhances their understanding of human geography and develops their ability to think critically and make informed decisions based on evidence.

Taking the AP Human Geography Exam, students also gain exposure to the rigors of a college-level assessment. The exam is designed to reflect the type of work students will encounter in college, helping them develop the necessary skills and mindset for success in higher education. It challenges students to think critically, synthesize information, and effectively communicate their ideas.

How long is the AP Human Geography Exam?

The AP Human Geography Exam is 2 hours and 15 minutes long. It consists of two sections, each contributing 50% to the total exam score:

Section I: Multiple Choice

• 60 questions
• 1-hour duration
• This section accounts for 50% of the exam score
• Approximately 30%–40% of the multiple-choice questions will reference stimulus material, including maps, tables, charts, graphs, images, infographics, and/or landscapes, roughly evenly divided between quantitative and qualitative sources.

Section II: Free Response

• 3 questions
• 1 hour 15 minutes duration
• This section also accounts for 50% of the exam score
• At least one of the free-response questions assesses students’ ability to analyze across geographic scales to explain spatial relationships .

What is on the AP Human Geography Exam?

The AP Human Geography Exam covers a wide range of topics that fall under the umbrella of human geography. This includes population, migration, culture, political geography, economic geography, urbanization, and more. The exam assesses your ability to analyze geographic patterns, understand spatial relationships, and apply geographic principles to real-world scenarios.

Multiple-Choice Section

The multiple-choice section of the AP Human Geography Exam is 1 hour long and consists of 60 questions, which account for 50% of the total exam score. The questions test students’ skills in defining, explaining, analyzing, and interpreting geographic data and concepts. Students will be asked to analyze geographic concepts, processes, patterns, and relationships, interpret geographic information represented visually in maps, satellite images, photographs, cartoons, and landscapes, and analyze spatial relationships using geographic scales. 

Tackling the Multiple-Choice Section

To tackle the multiple-choice section of the AP Human Geography exam effectively, students can follow these strategies:

• Utilize resources that offer practice tests and questions similar to those on the AP Human Geography exam .
• Aim to tackle at least two multiple-choice questions every day to reinforce critical concepts .
• Develop skills in defining, explaining, analyzing, and interpreting geographic data and concepts, as these are the focus of the multiple-choice questions .
• Approximately 30%–40% of the multiple-choice questions will reference stimulus material, including maps, tables, charts, graphs, images, infographics, and/or landscapes, so it’s essential to practice interpreting and analyzing such visual information .
• Since the multiple-choice section consists of 60 questions to be completed in 1 hour, it’s crucial to practice time management and ensure that each question is answered within the allocated time .
• Consider using reputable resources such as UWorld’s Learning Tools for AP Courses, which provides timed practice questions replicating the time constraints of the AP Human Geography exam .

By consistently practicing with multiple-choice questions, analyzing geographic data and concepts, and effectively managing time, students can approach the multiple-choice section of the AP Human Geography exam with confidence and perform at their best

Free-Response Section

The free-response section of the AP Human Geography Exam is 1 hour and 15 minutes long and consists of three questions, each contributing 7 raw points to the total exam score. The free-response questions present students with authentic geographic situations or scenarios and assess their ability to describe, explain, and apply geographic concepts, processes, or models as they analyze geographic patterns, relationships, and outcomes in applied contexts.

The free-response section includes three questions, and each question has a different format:

• Question 1 does not include any stimuli.
• Question 2 includes 1 stimulus (data, image, or map).
• Question 3 includes 2 stimuli (data, images, and/or maps).

At least one of the free-response questions assesses students’ ability to analyze across geographic scales to explain spatial relationships. Students will be asked to demonstrate their knowledge and critical thinking about the content of AP Human Geography and demonstrate a well-thought-out structure that is easy for a reader to follow.

Here are some sample questions and answers from previous exams so you’d know what to expect:

Tackling the free-response section

To tackle the free-response section of the AP Human Geography exam effectively, students can follow these strategies:

• Before writing, read the prompt carefully and plan your response to ensure you address all parts of the question .
• Allocate time for each question and ensure that you have enough time to answer all three questions .
• Develop skills in describing, explaining, and applying geographic concepts, processes, or models as they analyze geographic patterns, relationships, and outcomes in applied contexts .
• Use evidence from the course to support your analysis and explanation .
• If there is a map, chart, graph, or diagram with the question, study it carefully before beginning your answer .
• Pay close attention to the task verbs used in the free-response questions, as each directs you to complete a specific type of response .
• Structure your response by using task verbs such as compare, define, explain, analyze, and evaluate.
• Practice with free-response questions from previous AP exams to compare your responses with those already evaluated and scored .
• Use the College Board’s Exam Questions and Scoring Information section to review the latest released free-response questions and scoring guidelines .

By planning responses, analyzing geographic data and concepts, interpreting stimulus material, using task verbs, and practicing with free-response questions, students can approach the free-response section of the AP Human Geography exam with confidence and perform at their best.

Topics Covered on the AP Human Geography Exam

The AP Human Geography Exam covers a wide range of topics, including:

1. Population

One important aspect of human geography is the study of population. This includes understanding population growth, distribution, and density. You will explore concepts such as birth rates, death rates, fertility rates, and migration patterns. Additionally, you will analyze the impact of population growth on resources, urbanization, and the environment.

2. Migration

Migration is another crucial topic in human geography. You will examine different types of migration, including internal migration (within a country) and international migration (between countries). You will explore the reasons behind migration, such as economic opportunities, political factors, and environmental factors. Understanding migration patterns and their consequences is essential to grasp the complexities of human geography.

Culture plays a significant role in shaping human geography. You will delve into the study of cultural traits, including language, religion, ethnicity, and customs. Understanding cultural landscapes and how they evolve is crucial to analyzing the spatial distribution of different cultures. You will also explore the impact of cultural diffusion and globalization on local and regional cultures.

4. Political Geography

Political geography focuses on studying political systems, boundaries, and territorial divisions. You will examine concepts such as states, nations, sovereignty, and governance. Additionally, you will analyze geopolitical issues, including conflicts, alliances, and the impact of political decisions on human geography. Understanding political geography is essential to comprehend the complexities of power dynamics and their spatial implications.

5. Economic Geography

Economic geography explores the spatial distribution of economic activities, including industries, trade, and development. You will analyze financial systems, globalization, and regional disparities. Understanding the factors that influence economic growth, such as resources, infrastructure, and labor, is crucial to grasp the economic dimensions of human geography.

6. Urbanization

The urbanization process and its impact on human geography is another significant topic covered in the exam. You will explore the growth of cities, urban planning, and the social, economic, and environmental challenges associated with urban areas. Understanding the spatial organization of cities, including land use patterns, transportation systems, and urban sprawl, is essential to analyze the complexities of urban geography.

These are just a few examples of the topics covered in the AP Human Geography Exam. The exam requires you to apply your knowledge of these subjects to analyze real-world scenarios and make connections between different geographic concepts. By studying these topics in-depth, you will develop a comprehensive understanding of human geography and its relevance in today’s world.

As outlined in the CED, the framework for AP Human Geography delineates specific skills that students should engage in throughout the year. These skills are designed to cultivate their ability to think and act like geographers:

How hard is the AP Human Geography Exam?

Determining the difficulty level of the AP Human Geography exam is subjective, but factors such as pass rate, amount of study materials, and existing subject skills are significant considerations. Students tend to regard the course content as “easy,” while the exam is difficult.

The course material and the amount of material the curriculum covers can also influence the difficulty of the exam. AP Human Geography requires seven units of study in topics designed to build spatial perception and comparative skills. The exam is designed to test a higher level of content synthesis and critical thinking, which can make it more challenging than a regular human geography course.

How to study for the AP Human Geography Exam

Test your knowledge – The best place to start preparing for the AP Human Geography Exam – and any test for that matter – is to get an accurate assessment of your current knowledge. These formative assessments conducted at the onset of your studying can help you better understand what you already know and what you need to study more. As we’ll explain later, this initial test also makes it easier to see your progress throughout your preparation for the exam.

The College Board site for the AP Human Geography Exam is a great place to start since it provides visitors with accurate sample test questions. If you’re looking for something more comprehensive, you’ll want to invest in a complete sample test that can be found for free online in a few places (like here and here ) or in book form through various sources. We’ll explore a few of these options in the following section.

Study the material – After you better understand your knowledge regarding significant topics covered on the Human Geography Exam, you can study some of the material in greater detail. Since the exam includes questions regarding maps, figures, and vocab, it’s best to get reliable study resources to make your test preparation more efficient and accurate.

AdmissionSight strongly recommends the Barron AP Human Geography study resource. This is easily one of the most comprehensive, complete, and reputable study guides. However, some people suggest that the book is too lengthy. If you find studying textbook-like resources helpful, this is the best option. For those students looking for something less dense, the Princeton Review has another popular resource: Cracking the AP Human Geography Exam . This concise resource comes with a handy vocab list and detailed maps.

The long-standing format of the AP Human Geography Exam makes it easier to find reliable and relevant studying resources online. Many AP teachers post comprehensive study guides and outlines online that anyone can access. Even one high school in Florida offers its entire AP Human Geography Course content online. This includes selected readings, test reviews, notes, and presentations. You can find another thorough 66-page study guide here . The test’s stress on vocabulary and specific theories makes studying with flashcards very efficient. You can search Quizlet for free flashcards created by fellow students or buy a set along with the Barron study guide.

Practice multiple-choice questions – The simplicity of multiple-choice questions can lead students to assume that preparation for the first section of the AP Human Geography Exam isn’t necessary. However, the skills and concepts tested in this format shouldn’t be taken lightly. You can put your abilities to the test by answering some practice multiple-choice questions you find in study guides or through various online sources. You can take the whole multiple-choice section if you can get a few complete practice exams. As you practice, keep track of what bits of information are still giving you trouble. You’ll want to review this theory before taking the actual exam.

Practice free-response essays – The section portion of the AP Human Geography test is significantly more involved than the multiple-choice section. Most of this exam’s free-response questions consist of multiple parts that request you to prove your understanding of a specific topic differently. You should watch for the task verbs to answer the question, including terms like forecast, predict, describe, explain, contrast, compare, and define. It’s a good idea to circle or underline these words to keep track of each response you need. One of the quickest ways to lose points on this test is not to answer the free-response questions thoroughly.

When we divide this section’s time limit by the number of free-response questions on the exam, we see that students are left with roughly 25 minutes per answer. Outlining your main ideas before starting your essay is a great way to organize your thoughts for a more composed response. You’ll probably have to ditch a typical intro and conclusion to dive directly into the meat of the content. Many of the study resources we mentioned previously contain example free-response questions you can use to prepare for the AP Human Geography Exam. While the answers to the multiple-choice questions are straightforward and objective, you might need to have a friend or teacher grade your free-response sample questions since they’re a little more subjective.

Mimic the test settings – As you’ve probably experienced in the past, studying theory and question types doesn’t prepare you for other factors present during the actual exam. One of the best ways to determine your readiness for the real AP Human Geography Exam is to stage a mock test day yourself. Try to recreate the test settings by finding a quiet space where you won’t be distracted. Ensure all your notes, textbooks, and flashcards are out of reach. Use a comprehensive sample test the same length as the AP Human Geography Exam. Don’t forget to set a timer on your phone or alarm clock.

Tips on the day of the exam

On the day of the AP Human Geography Exam, it is crucial to be well-prepared and ensure you are in the right mindset. Here are some tips to help you perform at your best:

• Get a Good Night’s Sleep : Get enough sleep the night before the exam to be well-rested and mentally sharp.
• Eat a Healthy Breakfast: Fuel your brain and body with a nutritious meal before the exam to enhance focus and concentration.
• Arrive Early : Plan to arrive at the exam location early to avoid any unexpected delays or stress.
• Read the Instructions Carefully: Take the time to carefully read and understand each exam section’s instructions.
• Manage Your Time: Keep track of the time allotted for each section and pace yourself accordingly to ensure you have enough time to answer all the questions.
• Stay Calm and Confident: Stay calm and confident throughout the exam. Trust in your preparation and abilities.

When is the AP Human Geography Exam in 2024?

The AP Human Geography exam in 2024 is scheduled for Tuesday, May 7, at 8:00 AM local time. For a complete list of the 2024 AP Exam dates, here’s a full list:

For more specific test dates and times, visit this College Board page .

When do AP scores come out?

AP scores are typically released in early to mid-July of the year the exams were taken. The exact release date may vary slightly from year to year, but students who took their AP exams in May can generally expect their scores to become available.

You can check for updates on the College Board’s official AP scores website if you are waiting for your AP scores. They will also email you when your scores are added to your score report. If you haven’t received your scores by mid-August, contacting AP Services for Students is recommended for assistance.

Post-exam tips

Once the AP Human Geography Exam is over, there are a few things you can do to make the most of the experience:

• Reflect on Your Performance: Take some time to reflect on your performance in the exam and identify areas where you did well and areas where you could improve.
• Learn from Mistakes : If you made any mistakes during the exam, use them as learning opportunities for future exams or assessments.
• Review Exam Content: Review the content covered in the exam to reinforce your understanding of the subject and fill in any gaps in your knowledge.
• Celebrate Your Achievements: Regardless of your score, be proud of your efforts and celebrate the completion of the AP Human Geography Exam. It’s a significant accomplishment!

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Unit I.  Thinking Geographically

This first unit sets the foundation for the course by teaching students how geographers approach the study of places. Students are encouraged to reflect on the “why of where” to better understand geographic perspectives. Many other high school courses ask students to read and analyze data, but for this course, students also apply a spatial perspective when reading and analyzing qualitative and quantitative data.

Students learn the ways information from data sources such as maps, tables, charts, satellite images, and infographics informs policy decisions such as voting redistricting or expanding transportation networks. They also learn about how people influence and are influenced by their environment; the resulting impact on topography, natural resources, and climate; and the differences between and consequences of environmental determinism and possibilism.

Finally, students are introduced to the language of geography, learning discipline-specific terminology and applying that language to contemporary, real world scenarios so they can better study population processes and patterns in the next unit.

Unit I Topics

Topic 1.1 Introduction to Maps A. Geographers use maps and data to depict relationships of time, space, and scale.      1. Identify types of maps. The types of information presented in maps and different kinds of spatial patterns and relationships portrayed in maps.           a. Types of maps include reference maps and thematic maps.           b. Types of spatial patterns represented on maps include absolute and relative distance and direction, clustering, dispersal, and elevation.           c. All maps are selective in information; map projections inevitable distort spatial relationships in shape area distance and direction.

Topic 1.2 Geographic Data A. Geographers use maps and data to depict relationships of time, space, and scale.      1. Identify different methods of geographic data collection.           a. Data may be gathered in the field by organizations or by individuals.           b. Geospatial technologies include geographic information systems (GIS), satellite navigation systems, remote sensing, and online mapping and          visualization.           c. Spatial information can come from written accounts in the form of field observations, media reports, travel narratives, policy documents, personal interviews, landscape analysis, and photographic interpretation.

Topic 1.3 The Power of Geographic Data A. Geographers use maps and data to depict relationships of time, space, and scale. 1. Explain the geographical effects of decisions made using geographical information. a. Geospatial and geographical data, including census data and satellite imagery, are used at all scales for personal, business and organizational, and governmental decision making purposes.

Topic 1.4 Spatial Concepts A. Geographers analyze relationships among and between places to reveal important spatial patterns. 1. Define major geographic concepts that illustrate spatial relationships. a. Spatial concepts include absolute and relative location, space, place, flows, distance decay, time-space compression, and pattern.

Topic 1.5 Human Environment Interaction A. Geographers analyze relationships among and between places to reveal important spatial patterns. 1. Explain how major geographic concepts illustrate spatial relationships. a. Concepts of nature and society include sustainability, natural resources, and land use. b. Theories regarding the interaction of the natural environment with human societies have evolved from environmental determinism to possibilism.

Topic 1.6 Scale of Analysis A. Geographers analyze relationships among and between places to reveal important spatial patterns. 1. Define scales of analysis used by geographers. a. Scales of analysis include global, regional, national, and local. B. Explain what scales of analysis reveal. 1. Patterns and processes at different scales reveal variations in, and different interpretations of, data.

Topic 1.7 Regional Analysis A. Geographers analyze complex issues and relationships with a distinctively spatial perspective. 1. Describe different ways that geographers define regions. a. Regions are defined on the basis of one or more unifying characteristics or on patterns of activity. b. Types of regions include formal, functional, and perceptual/vernacular. c. Regional boundaries are transitional and often contested and overlapping. d. Geographers apply regional analysis at local, national, and global scales.

• Why is geography important as a field of study?
• How can geography help us understand human-environmental interactions?
• What is location?
• What is place?
• What is scale?
• What is a small-scale map?
• What is a large-scale map?
• How is a network a geographic concept?
• What is regionalization?
• What is globalization and how can geography help us understand it?
• What is landscape analysis?
• How can landscape analysis help us understand the location of people?
• How can landscape analysis help us understand human-environment relationships?
• How can landscape analysis help us understand interconnections between places and regions?
• What is meant by the phrase “human organization of space”?
• How can spatial concepts be used to interpret and understand population and migration?
• How can spatial concepts be used to interpret and understand cultural patterns and processes?
• How can spatial concepts be used to interpret and understand political organization of space?
• How can spatial concepts be used to interpret and understand agriculture, food production, and rural land use?
• How can spatial concepts be used to interpret and understand industrialization and economic development?
• How can spatial concepts be used to interpret and understand cities and urban land use?
• What is a political map? What is an example of how it could be used?
• What is a physical map? What is an example of how it could be used?
• What is a choropleth map? What is an example of how it could be used?
• What is a dot map? What is an example of how it could be used?
• What is a graduated symbol map? What is an example of how it could be used?
• What is an isoline map? What is an example of how it could be used?
• What is a cartogram? What is an example of how it could be used?
• Describe map projection.
• What is accurate on a Mercator projection? What is distorted?
• What is the rate of natural increase in population (NRI)? What does that mean?
• What is population doubling time? How can that number be determined?
• What is rank-size rule for cities?
• What is distance-decay? What are the functions for it?
• What is a region?
• Define and give an example of a formal region.
• Define and give an example of a functional region.
• Define and give an example of a perceptual region.
• What is regionalism?
• How are pollutants an example of interconnections among places?
• How is money an example of interconnections among places?
• What is GIS?
• What is GPS?
• What is remote sensing?
• How are geospatial technologies used for personal purposes?
• How are geospatial technologies used for business purposes?
• How are geospatial technologies used for governmental purposes?
• How is field study used in gathering geographic information?
• What is the difference between qualitative and quantitative geographic data?
• Give examples of how qualitative geographic data could be used in economic, environmental, political, or social decision making.
• Give examples of how quantitative geographic data could be used in economic, environmental, political, or social decision making.

Advanced Placement

Why Take AP Human Geography?

College Board

• September 28, 2023

When you hear the word “geography,” maps may be one of the first things that comes to mind. While geography does include the study of maps, it encompasses so much more. Beyond the study of physical geography, the discipline also includes human geography, which explores the many ways that humans understand, create, shape, and modify their environments.

“I was fortunate to take AP Human Geography in high school. This class expanded my critical thinking, active reading, and writing skills immensely, which helped a lot in college and in preparation for graduate school. It’s one of the best classes I ever took.” Kayla, AP alum

About the Course

AP Human Geography is one of the most popular AP courses for 9th and 10th graders. The course does not have prerequisites and can be a great place to start your journey with AP.

In AP Human Geography you will focus on using quantitative and qualitative data, including maps, tables, charts, satellite images, and photographs to learn more about how people impact and are impacted by their environments. The course provides a unique cross-curricular experience exploring topics like population, culture, environment, history , politics, and economics.

Here are some topics you will cover:

• Connecting geographic concepts and processes to real-life scenarios
• How regions change over time based on cultural, environmental, political, and economic factors
• The influence of globalization on diverse cultures and regions worldwide
• Learning to analyze a variety of geographic data such as tables, maps, charts, images, and landscapes
• Investigating patterns and trends in data and visual sources and drawing conclusions from them

How You Benefit

Learning to analyze distinct types of data is a transferable skill useful for many other classes in high school, other AP courses, and in your college classes. AP Human Geography will also expose you to areas of study aligned to many college majors and careers you may not have otherwise heard about. See all the majors and careers that this course is connected to.

And like all AP courses, AP Human Geography can help you stand out during the college application process and gives you the opportunity to earn college credit, advanced placement, or both. Learn about all the benefits of taking AP courses and exams.  

Talk to your school counselor to see if AP Human Geography is available at your school and if it may be right for you.  

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AP® Human Geography

Regions: ap® human geography crash course.

• The Albert Team
• Last Updated On: March 1, 2022

Why Study Regions for the AP® Human Geography Exam?

Regions are a highly contested yet critical concept in the study of human geography and can be studied as they relate to space, place, and location. Regions allow us to generalize about a common characteristic so we can better group them. Human geography is not just concerned with describing cultural patterns, but with examining how they came about and their meaning.

For the AP® Human Geography Exam, you should look at regions as objects to investigate and explore so you can move beyond just locating and describing regions on a map. You should also think about the history of not just the country, but the people who live there now and those who migrated from other places. That research will reveal much about that region and the evolving nature of the planet in which we live.

In this AP® Human Geography study guide, we will define region as it applies to geography, examine regions as one of the five themes of geography, and identify examples of the three different types of regions. We will wrap up with what you can expect on the AP® Human Geography Exam on the topic of regions. Before we can study the concept of regions, you need to know where regions fall in the study of geography.

Five Themes of Geography

A study of geography does not only involve knowing where to find a variety of people and places on a map. It is just as important for you, as a geographer, to understand why you find those people in that particular place, and how those places influence their lives, their neighbor’s lives, and your life. You can use the five themes of geography as a way to understand geographic information so you can better appreciate cultural and environmental changes around the world.

The five themes of geography are:

• Human/environmental interactions

A region is an area on the earth identified by two common characteristics: physical and political geography. Physical regions are features such as deserts, mountains, and lakes. Human-kind defines political regions by establishing political boundaries like the borders of countries.

Why are Regions Important to Human Geographers?

In geography, a region is a part of the planet characterized by a level of similarity based on certain features. Regions are areas that share both human and physical characteristics. A region is what links places together using any factor that you, as the human geographer, choose. Those factors are common traits such as culture, political system, religious beliefs, language or physical features. Regions can be mapped and studied. Where historians group events in an era as “periods”, geographers group areas spatially into “regions”.

The AP® Human Geography Course Description requires you to analyze various forms of spatial data then engage in map interpretation and analysis. This AP® Human Geography study guide on regions will help you understand that regions are defined by one or more unifying characteristics such as the corn belt, or on patterns of activity like hinterlands and ports. To help you focus your study of world regions, the AP® Human Geography Course Description provides you with reference maps on page 16 that identify world regions and their boundaries.

Regions of the world can and do overlap such as the areas of Southeast Asia and Asia. Regions also have transitional boundaries like between North Africa and Sub-Saharan Africa. Some regions are based on culture (language or religion), while physical geography defines others. There is not total agreement, however, among geographers on how all regions are defined. One geographer may place Chad in the region of North Africa, and another would classify Chad as part of Central Africa. Geographers will also use two different terms to describe the same area; the Middle East and Southwest Asia, for example.

What are the Different Types of Regions?

Now that we know that a region is an area that shares both human and physical characteristics, let’s look at the three types of regions in geography. Formal, functional and perceptual regions comprise the three classifications of regions used to organize complex ideas into simpler divisions. These three types of regions are of interest to geographers, engineers, and cartographers.

Formal (Uniform) Region

A formal region is an area with a high level of consistency in a certain cultural or physical attribute. Formal regions are uniform or homogeneous areas where everyone in that region shares common attributes or traits like language, climate or political system. Formal regions are primarily used to determine and outline political, cultural and economic regions. It also can be described as any geographic location with clearly delineated boundaries whose area is established, and there is no disagreement over the area a formal region occupies.

Examples of formal regions are varied. A formal region could be any country in the world, like the United States, or the linguistic region of a state. Specific examples that you may see on the AP® Human Geography exam could be: the French-speaking region of Canada, the dairying region of North America, or political boundaries demarcating nations and states.

Functional (Nodal) Region

A functional region in geography is an area centered on a node, focal point, or central hub surrounded by interconnecting linkages. The primary node in a functional region features surrounding areas with common social, political, or economic purposes that relate to trade, communications, or transportation. In other words, a functional region has a certain set of activities or interactions that happen within it, organized around a center node or focal point. The primary node also has a sphere of economic and social influence that is less noticeable in areas more removed from it.

A functional region, for example, can be a territory that is organized around something central, such as a city. The distribution of its services is limited to a certain area, which is its functional or main nodal region. Other examples of a functional region could be the Bank of America or FedEx.

Perceptual (Vernacular) Region

A perceptual or vernacular region is defined by feelings and prejudices that may or may not be true. It can also be an idea of a person’s mental map. It can be viewed as how people think about or perceive a region based on factors that may not reflect the truth, such as the Bible Belt or Hillbilly region. When labeling perceptual regions, there are common assumptions made about the place or people.

For example, if you say, “this town is living in the past, and there are no job opportunities” it points to a perceptual region. Another person could see the same place entirely differently. They could say, “there are chances for growth, and new business opportunities in this town”. A perceptual region does not exist in the literal sense, and the region it inhabits is not explicitly defined. Geographers often differ on the location of a given perceptual region, it is dependent entirely upon personal perspective and based on opinion rather than fact. Perceptual regions may, in some cases, contradict facts or regions developed by geographers.

What do you think of when you hear the phrase “Little Italy”? What words, phrases or mental images come to mind? How you perceive that phrase helps you understand perceptual regions.

Regions and the AP® Human Geography Exam

This AP® Human Geography study guide has better prepared you to master this topic on the exam and to get you into that exam mindset. The FRQs will require you to write small essays on topics like regions. A FRQ would most likely have you list the types of regions, define them, and give examples of each of them. This study guide has given you some examples of the three types of regions, but it may help you more if you come up with some examples of your own that relate to where you live and from your personal perspective.

Here are two questions on regions from an AP® Human Geography Practice Exam.

FRQ from an AP® Human Geography Practice Exam

FRQ 3: The region is a highly contested yet critical concept in the study of human geography. What is a region and why is it important to human geographers? List three types of regions, define them and list an example of each.

Sample Answer: A region is what links places together using any parameter the geographer chooses. Three types of regions are formal, vernacular, and functional. Formal regions are uniform. Everyone shares in common one or more distinctive characteristic. An example would be the Mid West being considered the Corn Belt because corn is their distinctive characteristic. Vernacular regions are perceptual. They are a place that people believe exists as part of their cultural identity. An example would be people thinking of sweet tea when they think of “the South”. Functional regions are nodal. They are an area organized around a focal point. They are tied to that central point by transportation, economics, or communication systems. An example would be the area of Tampa that receives the Tampa Tribune.

Multiple Choice Question from an AP® Human Geography Practice Test

The region outlined above contains delivery destinations served by United Trucking. Which of the following classifications best fits this region?

A. Functional

C. Vernacular

E.Perceptual

Correct Answer:

(A) A functional region consists of a node and the places linked to that central point through some sort of movement. In this case the region is created by the movement of United Trucking’s services to customers in the places within the boundaries shown in the diagram. (B) describes a place with a uniform trait, such as language, present throughout the area. (C), (D), and (E) describe regions like the Bible Belt or the South in the United States—regions with boundaries marked by people’s ideas rather than overtly measurable characteristics.

Wrapping up Regions

To wrap up this AP® Human Geography study guide, we learned that regions allow us to generalize about a common characteristic so we can better group them. We are not just concerned with describing cultural patterns, but with examining how they came about and their meaning. A region is an area that shares both human and physical characteristics, and is classified in geography as three types: formal, functional and perceptual. How else are you studying for the AP® Human Geography Exam? Here is a great resource to help you prepare for the exam: How to Study for AP® Human Geography .

Let’s put everything into practice. Try this AP® Human Geography  practice question:

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