Research Methods

Question 1

Qualitative data

Answer 1

Non-numerical info, nominal or ordinal data
Methods of collection: interviews, focus groups, observations
Example: background info for comp, neighborhood, or transportation plan

Question 2

ordinal v nominal data

Answer 2

nominal = non-numerical, non ranked ie. male or female, single or married
-weak measurement can’t use mean etc.
non-numerical = ranked categories in orders

Question 3

Quantitative data

Answer 3

numerical; interval or ratio data
Methods of collection: surveys, censuses, records; to id patterns/correlations

Question 4

continuous v discrete data

Answer 4

continuous= a range of values which can change ie. time; ie. height, GPA
discrete= one single measurement, finite number of values; ie. # of people

Question 5

interval v ratio scale

Answer 5

interval= dif b/w numbers but no 0, i.e. temperature, properties of magnitude
ratio= dif b/w number has absolute zero point, used for ordering numbers

Question 6

mean

Answer 6

average- total of #s divided by amount of #s

Question 7

median

Answer 7

middle value of #s when in order

Question 8

mode

Answer 8

value that shows up the most (most repeated value)

Question 9

range

Answer 9

largest # - smallest #

Question 10

standard deviation

Answer 10

Average amount of variability in your dataset. *sq root of variance
On average, how far each value lies from the mean.
high standard deviation = values are generally far from the mean
low standard deviation i= values are clustered close to the mean

Question 11

variance

Answer 11

measure of dispersion, how far a set of numbers is spread out from their average value

Question 12

z-score

Answer 12

of standard deviations a value is from the mean of a given distribution; ids outliers in a set of data
negative z-scores = value lies below the mean
positive z-scores = value lies above the mean

Question 13

Independent v dependent variable

Answer 13

Ind= cause, what the researcher wants to explain
Dep= effect, its value depends on changes in ind variable

Question 14

Linear regression

Answer 14

Finding best fitting line between data points plotted on graph y=bx+a
y= predicted score, b=slope of line, a=Y intercept
Used to find relationship b/w 1 dep variable and 1 or more ind variables
*dif from T-test (hypothesis test) = if dif b/w averages of two groups are significant or not)

Question 15

decennial census

Answer 15

Every 10 years
age, sex, race, Hispanic origin, migration, ancestry, language use, veterans
population estimates and projections

Question 16

American Community Survey (ACS)

Answer 16

Nationwide survey used to understand changes in the population (3.5 mil sample size)
detailed social and economic characteristics; education, housing, jobs, and more
Help policymakers, planners, business owners, to make decisions

Question 17

Experiential learning

Answer 17

Hands-on experience in communities; chance to apply theoretical concepts to real world contexts
Methods: fieldwork, case studies, simulations

Question 18

Participant observation/ethnography

Answer 18

research methodology where the researcher is immersed in the day-to-day activities of the participants

Question 19

Oral Histories

Answer 19

Personal stories & firsthand accounts; documents historical and cultural elements of community

Question 20

experimental
quasi/non-experimental
mixed-methods

Answer 20

experimental = manipulating one variable to determine if this causes changes in another variable, random assignment
quasi/non-experimental = manipulation but not random assignment
mixed-methods = both quantitative and qualitative data used within the same study

Question 21

Case study v pilot study

Answer 21

Case study= study of specific group, very small scale, on existing conditions, can gain general knowledge
Pilot study = Small implementation before larger project, can give insight to pros & cons

Question 22

Precedents & examples

Answer 22

Examine previous projects, case studies and models for references

Question 23

Best Practices

Answer 23

Methods that are superior alternatives; proven to work and provide optimal results
Usually seen as APA guides; PAS reports

Question 24

Analysis & Reporting

Answer 24

Examining data and info to draw conclusions; both qualitative and quantitative

Question 25

Surveying

Answer 25

Techniques: questionnaires, interviews, observational studies *relevance of info depends on collection method

Question 26

Sources of Data

Answer 26

Where the info comes from Sources: census, gov reports, surveys, academic studies, spatial data, community feedback *good sources = better data = better decisions

Question 27

Metadata

Answer 27

Data about data; will enhance usability and speak to reliability of the data

Question 28

Unconscious bias

Answer 28

social stereotypes formed outside an individual’s own awareness *this may affect research and in turn effected communities

Question 29

GIS

Answer 29

Used to capture, store, manipulate, analyze, manage, and present spatial or geographical data. Helps to visualize and interpret spatial relationships, patterns, and trends, facilitating informed decision-making Layered data

Question 30

Mapping

Answer 30

Visual rep of spatial data must have - N arrow, scale, legend, title, credits

Question 31

Spatial analysis

Answer 31

Modeling location-specific problems, identifying patterns, and assessing spatial data to make decisions

Question 32

Remote sensing

Answer 32

detecting and monitoring the physical characteristics of an area by measuring its reflected and emitted radiation at a distance

Question 33

Cadastral maps

Answer 33

precise and comprehensive data about specific land parcels in a certain area ie. plat maps

Question 34

Modeling

Answer 34

Representations of urban environments to simulate and analyze spatial dynamics Can predict impact of planning scenarios on transportation, land use, environmental sustainability, and urban growth

Question 35

Relevance

Answer 35

Does the data directly address questions and objectives? Needs to to inform effective decisions

Question 36

Validity

Answer 36

Degree to which a study accurately reflects the specific concept intended to measure Want high validity

Question 37

Reliability

Answer 37

Consistency of a measure or method; you get same results under consistent conditions You want dependable data, to greatest extent possible

Question 38

Data quality

Answer 38

Assessed via accuracy, completeness, reliability, and relevance Essential to produce valid research outcomes

Question 39

Implicit bias in data

Answer 39

Could be bias in the actual collection of info, ensure this doesn’t happen so data is accurate

Question 40

Passive data gathering

Answer 40

collection w/out direct interaction to understand conditions and trends Ie. traffic cameras, social media, sensors, public records

Question 41

Active data gathering

Answer 41

Direct engagement with participants to actively solicit information Ie. surveys, interviews, focus groups: Field research

Question 42

Community involvement in data collection

Answer 42

Engaging residents & stakeholders in the planning process; must know their needs, concerns, preferences Ie. public meetings, workshops, community advisory boards

Question 43

Stakeholder engagement

Answer 43

identifying, understanding and involving people who have a stake in the outcome of the plan includes ongoing communication, listening, and collaboration

Question 44

Civic engagement

Answer 44

focuses on participation in either political activities, community activities or both for the good of the whole community

Question 45

Alinsky organizations (Saul Alinsky)

Answer 45

Community members participate, lead, and engage in change-making, rather than acting as observers through employing social action *helped poor people fighting power and privilege

Question 46

Ladder of Citizen Participation

Answer 46

citizen involvement in planning processes showed participation ranging from low to high 1 Manipulation and 2 Therapy. Both are non participative. The aim is to cure or educate the participants. The proposed plan is best and the job of participation is to achieve public support through public relations. 3 Informing. A most important first step to legitimate participation. But too frequently the emphasis is on a one way flow of information. No channel for feedback. 4 Consultation. Again a legitimate step attitude surveys, neighborhood meetings and public enquiries. But Arnstein still feels this is just a window dressing ritual. 5 Placation. For example, co-option of hand-picked ‘worthies’ onto committees. It allows citizens to advise or plan ad infinitum but retains for power holders the right to judge the legitimacy or feasibility of the advice. 6 Partnership. Power is in fact redistributed through negotiation between citizens and power holders. Planning and decision-making responsibilities are shared e.g. through joint committees. 7 Delegation. Citizens holding a clear majority of seats on committees with delegated powers to make decisions. Public now has the power to assure accountability of the program to them. 8 Citizen Control. Have-nots handle the entire job of planning, policy making and managing a program e.g. neighborhood corporation with no intermediaries between it and the source of funds.

Question 47

4. Privacy & Confidentiality concerns w/ data

Answer 47

Ethical and legal obligations to protect individuals’ personal info, to ensure trust and compliance Ie. anonymizing data, obtaining informed consent, follow data protection regulations

Question 48

Participatory Action Research (PAR) techniques

Answer 48

engaging community members as active participants in research process through cycles of reflection – data collection – action

Question 49

Survey design & implementation for community feedback

Answer 49

Questionnaires need to be clear, unbiased and relevant Select appropriate distribution methods ie. online v in person, to get max engagement Max engagement = more valuable insights = informed decision making

Question 50

Focus groups & community workshops

Answer 50

Interactive sessions to discuss planning issues, need to be diverse to have all perspectives id needs & build consensus Facilitates open dialogue & fosters community involvement