Geographic Analysis: Kansas and Pancakes

Introduction

This comprehensive essay delves into two distinct articles: "Kansas is Flatter than a Pancake" and "Portable Devices as Visual Noise during Lectures: User and Non-User Differences on Distractions from Internet Access." The exploration of these articles involves an examination of independent and dependent variables, shedding light on the methodologies and findings presented within.

Understanding Variables in Research

Before delving into the specifics of each article, it is essential to grasp the concept of variables in research. A variable is a value that may vary within the context of an investigation, possessing two or more potential values.

In this context, two crucial types of variables are distinguished: the independent variable, which can be manipulated by the researcher or nature, and the dependent variable, which is influenced or affected by the independent variable.

Exploring "Kansas is Flatter than a Pancake"

The article "Kansas is Flatter than a Pancake" intriguingly compares the topography of Kansas, a U.S. state in the Midwest, to that of a pancake.

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This unconventional analogy was born from a casual breakfast conversation among three researchers: Mark Fonstad, a geography professor at Southwest Texas University, along with his colleagues William Pugatch and Brandon Vogt. Vogt, a doctoral student at Arizona State University, proposed the idea of gauging Kansas's flatness against that of a pancake based on his experiences traversing the state. Vogt emphasized, "It's flat—there is nothing to see, nowhere to stop" (Rombeck, Lawrence Journal-World).

The researchers employed the "flattening ratio" as the common metric to measure flatness.

This ratio is defined as the comparison of the length of an ellipse's semi-major axis ('a') to its semi-minor axis ('b') through the formula: f = (a - b) / a. A perfect flatness yields a flattening ratio ('f') of one, while an ellipsoid with equal axis length results in 'f' being zero. To measure the flatness of a pancake, the team acquired one from the International House of Pancakes. Employing digital image processing and ruler-assisted scale calibration, they obtained the macro-pancake topography. Simultaneously, a west-east profile across Kansas was measured using a 1:250,000 scale digital elevation model from the United States Geological Survey. The researchers, using a Geographic Information System, extracted surface flatness estimates from the Kansas and pancake DEM (Digital Elevation Model) data.

The calculated flattening ratio for Kansas was 0.9997, whereas the pancake exhibited a flattening ratio of 0.957. This empirical evidence substantiates the unconventional claim that Kansas is, indeed, flatter than a pancake. Moreover, different measurements reveal nuanced perspectives: when considering the difference between the highest and lowest elevations, Kansas ranks 22nd, with Florida claiming the top spot. In contrast, when assessing elevation change in 1-kilometer sections, Kansas is positioned 32nd, with Delaware emerging as the flattest.

Unraveling Distractions: "Portable Devices as Visual Noise during Lectures"

Shifting gears to the second article, "Portable Devices as Visual Noise during Lectures: User and Non-User Differences on Distractions from Internet Access," the focus is on the impact of portable devices on academic settings. While the previous article explored physical landscapes, this one navigates the virtual realm, investigating the influence of technology on the learning environment.

The independent variable in this study is the use of portable devices, while the dependent variable is the level of distraction experienced during lectures. The research delves into the disparities between users and non-users, examining how internet access during lectures contributes to cognitive distractions. By employing rigorous methodologies and statistical analyses, the study aims to elucidate the intricate dynamics between technology use and academic focus.

Conclusion: Bridging Geographic Realms and Academic Arenas

In conclusion, the exploration of "Kansas is Flatter than a Pancake" and "Portable Devices as Visual Noise during Lectures" unveils diverse facets of research methodologies and findings. From the physical flatness of Kansas compared to a pancake to the digital distractions posed by portable devices in academic settings, these articles contribute valuable insights to their respective fields. Embracing the intricacies of independent and dependent variables, these studies underscore the multifaceted nature of research, urging scholars to navigate the ever-evolving landscape of knowledge with curiosity and precision.