Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Identifier

2721

Yingnan Li

Date

2016

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Science

Major

Earth Sciences

Concentration

Geography

Committee Chair

Hsiang-te Kung

Abstract

This thesis used geographical information system (GIS) to analyze the spatial and temporal distribution pattern of Confucius Institutes (CIs) in the U.S. The GIS is used to identify the range of CIs services and to analyze relevant demographic, social and economic profiles. The major focus of this study is to present the temporal distribution pattern of CIs, to identify the factor which may impact the spatial distribution of CIs and the factor which may influence State’s demand for CIs.Several statistical methods such as kernel density estimation, Spearman’s rank correlation and multiple regression have been adopted in the study. Results found that (1) the temporal distribution of CIs from 2004-2013 are not evenly distributed. (2) The CIs are clustered around metropolitan regions, especially in East coast and the Great Lakes Megalopolis region. (3) There is a weak association between the spatial distribution pattern of CIs and their local demographic, socio-economics characteristics. (4) Two variables, including China-U.S. trade volume and the population with higher educational attainment, were found to have association with the state’s demand for CIs.

Comments

Data is provided by the student.

Library Comment

Dissertation or thesis originally submitted to the local University of Memphis Electronic Theses & dissertation (ETD) Repository.

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