Comparative Study of Applying Methods of Measuring Development in Regional Studies: A Case Study of 15 Regions in Isfahan

Abstract

The wave of using quantitative models in social sciences during the 1960s along with issues of development and underdevelopment expanded the application of these methods in determining the degree or level of development. The present study aims at investigating and comparing some of the methods for determining the degree of development (Morris, Taxonomy) and addressing the question whether all methods yield similar results in determining the level of development. To do so, the level of development of regions in Isfahan was determined by selecting a variable in the form of 9 indexes of development and applying the data in each of the studied methods. The comparison of the results obtained by each of the methods shows that the degree or level of development in the studied areas is different from one method to another due to the type, or nature and the difference in measuring the indexes, and the peculiarities and specific features of each region. Therefore, it is necessary to take precautions in applying models, and quantitative methods, and the measures taken in planning based on the obtained results.

DOI: 10.5901/mjss.2015.v6n1s1p363