Question

The concept 'identifying the uniqueness of any region and understanding how it is different from others', is concerned with which one of the following approaches of geography?

• A. Post-modernism
• B. Behaviouralism
• C. Regional analysis
• D. Areal differentiation

Hint:

Remember: Areal differentiation = Identifying uniqueness + Understanding differences between regions. This concept is strongly associated with Richard Hartshorne and the regional approach in geography.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is D

Step 1: Understand the concept described in the question.
The question describes the process of "identifying the uniqueness of any region and understanding how it is different from others." This focuses on:

• Recognizing what makes each region unique
• Understanding variations and differences between regions
• Comparing regions based on their distinct characteristics

Step 2: Recall the definition of Areal Differentiation.
Areal differentiation is a fundamental concept in geography popularized by Richard Hartshorne in his seminal work 'The Nature of Geography' (1939) [citation:1]. It refers to:

• The study of differences or variations between different areas/regions of the Earth's surface [citation:1]
• Understanding how unique regions reveal the co-variance of phenomena that can only be understood through identifying regions [citation:1]
• The division of Earth's surface into regions based on homogeneity of geographical phenomena, with each region being unique and distinct from others [citation:1]

Step 3: Analysis of each option.

• (A) Post-modernism: Incorrect. Post-modernism in geography critiques grand narratives and emphasizes multiple perspectives, but is not specifically focused on identifying regional uniqueness.
• (B) Behaviouralism: Incorrect. Behaviouralism focuses on human behavior and decision-making processes, not on regional uniqueness.
• (C) Regional analysis: Partially related but not the precise term. Regional analysis is a broader approach that includes studying regions, but the specific concept of identifying uniqueness and differences is technically called "areal differentiation."
• (D) Areal differentiation: Correct.} This is the exact geographical approach concerned with identifying the uniqueness of regions and understanding how they differ from one another [citation:1][citation:3][citation:5].

Step 4: Conclusion.
The concept of areal differentiation, central to regional geography, precisely matches the description given in the question. It emphasizes the uniqueness of regions and the variations between different areas on Earth's surface. Final Answer:} (D) Areal differentiation