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extrapolation — English
The transfer of quantitative, empirical research results from one study area to another area without first testing whether the results apply in that area or not. In many sciences – and especially the spatial sciences such as Geography – this is an extremely risky thing to do. In certain specialisation fields of Geography, extrapolation is scientifically justifiable, but when research results are based on primary, area-specific data extrapolation should only be done with the greatest of care, or not at all, unless there is strong theory-based justification for doing it. Geographers should never assume that what applies in one area also applies in another. Unlike interpolation (see “interpolation”) where justifiable intra-areal generalisation is commonly used, extrapolation is inter-areal generalisation and is less commonly used because it is more difficult to justify scientifically. In Geography, both intra-areal and inter-areal generalisation should be handled with care. Remember that Geography is the study of spatial variability and the idiographic or uniqueness principle should always be born in mind (see “ geodiversity” and“spatial interpolation”).
