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Redefining the Modifiable Areal Unit Problem within spatial econometrics, the case of the aggregation problem

Author

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  • Michal Bernard Pietrzak

    (Nicolaus Copernicus University, Poland)

Abstract

The paper focuses on the issue of the aggregation problem which is frequently discussed within spatial econometrics. Aggregation problem is one of two aspects of the modifiable areal unit problem (MAUP). The aggregation problem is connected with the volatility of the obtained results occurred when various compositions of territorial units for the same aggregation scale were applied. The objective of the present paper is considering the redefinition of aggregation problem and showing positive solution of the aggregation problem based on the empirical example of determining agricultural macroregions. In the article the aggregation problem was defined as a problem of establishment a particular composition of territorial units at a selected aggregation scale in a such a way that is remains in the quasi composition of regions within the undertaken research problem. The paper also presented the procedure for determining agricultural macroregions where the analysis of the spatial volatility of the agrarian structure and the current knowledge on the agriculture in Poland were applied. In addition, the paper considered the final areal interpretation problem connected with the incorrect determination of the area in relation to which final conclusions are drawn. The problem was presented based on the example of the establishment of the average concentration of the area of agricultural land in Poland with the use of the Gini index calculated for districts. The paper emphasised that ignoring the final areal interpretation problem in spatial analyses may lead to an apparent identification of the modifiable areal unit problem.

Suggested Citation

  • Michal Bernard Pietrzak, 2014. "Redefining the Modifiable Areal Unit Problem within spatial econometrics, the case of the aggregation problem," Working Papers 7/2014, Institute of Economic Research, revised May 2014.
    • Handle: RePEc:pes:wpaper:2014:no7
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Jean H.P. Paelinck, 2000. "On aggregation in spatial econometric modelling," Journal of Geographical Systems, Springer, vol. 2(2), pages 157-165, July.
    2. Michal Bernard Pietrzak, 2013. "Interpretation Of Structural Parameters For Models With Spatial Autoregression," Equilibrium. Quarterly Journal of Economics and Economic Policy, Institute of Economic Research, vol. 8(2), pages 129-155, June.
    3. S Openshaw, 1984. "Ecological Fallacies and the Analysis of Areal Census Data," Environment and Planning A, , vol. 16(1), pages 17-31, January.
    4. S Openshaw, 1977. "Optimal Zoning Systems for Spatial Interaction Models," Environment and Planning A, , vol. 9(2), pages 169-184, February.
    5. Michal Bernard Pietrzak, 2014. "Redefining The Modifiable Areal Unit Problem Within Spatial Econometrics, The Case Of The Aggregation Problem," Equilibrium. Quarterly Journal of Economics and Economic Policy, Institute of Economic Research, vol. 9(3), pages 131-151, September.
    6. Lidia Ceriani & Paolo Verme, 2012. "The origins of the Gini index: extracts from Variabilità e Mutabilità (1912) by Corrado Gini," The Journal of Economic Inequality, Springer;Society for the Study of Economic Inequality, vol. 10(3), pages 421-443, September.
    7. Michal Bernard Pietrzak, 2014. "Redefining The Modifiable Areal Unit Problem Within Spatial Econometrics, The Case Of The Scale Problem," Equilibrium. Quarterly Journal of Economics and Economic Policy, Institute of Economic Research, vol. 9(2), pages 111-132, June.
    8. Duane F. Marble, 2000. "Some thoughts on the integration of spatial analysis and Geographic Information Systems," Journal of Geographical Systems, Springer, vol. 2(1), pages 31-35, March.
    9. Michal Bernard Pietrzak, 2014. "The Modifiable Areal Unit Problem – Analysis Of Correlation And Regression," Equilibrium. Quarterly Journal of Economics and Economic Policy, Institute of Economic Research, vol. 9(4), pages 113-131, December.
    10. S Openshaw & R S Baxter, 1977. "Algorithm 3: A Procedure to Generate Pseudo-Random Aggregations of N Zones into M Zones, Where M is Less Than N," Environment and Planning A, , vol. 9(12), pages 1423-1428, December.
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    Cited by:

    1. Michal Bernard Pietrzak, 2014. "Redefining The Modifiable Areal Unit Problem Within Spatial Econometrics, The Case Of The Aggregation Problem," Equilibrium. Quarterly Journal of Economics and Economic Policy, Institute of Economic Research, vol. 9(3), pages 131-151, September.
    2. Michal Bernard Pietrzak, 2014. "Redefining The Modifiable Areal Unit Problem Within Spatial Econometrics, The Case Of The Scale Problem," Equilibrium. Quarterly Journal of Economics and Economic Policy, Institute of Economic Research, vol. 9(2), pages 111-132, June.
    3. Michal Bernard Pietrzak, 2014. "The Modifiable Areal Unit Problem – Analysis Of Correlation And Regression," Equilibrium. Quarterly Journal of Economics and Economic Policy, Institute of Economic Research, vol. 9(4), pages 113-131, December.

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    More about this item

    Keywords

    spatial econometrics; modifiable areal unit problem; scale problem; aggregation problem;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • C01 - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods - - General - - - Econometrics
    • C15 - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods - - Econometric and Statistical Methods and Methodology: General - - - Statistical Simulation Methods: General
    • C21 - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods - - Single Equation Models; Single Variables - - - Cross-Sectional Models; Spatial Models; Treatment Effect Models

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