ABSTRACT
Doing Research in Urban and Regional Planning provides a basic introduction to methodology and methods in planning research. It brings together the methods most commonly used in planning, explaining their key applications and basic protocols. It addresses the unique needs of planners by dealing with concerns which cut across the social, economic, and physical sciences, showing readers how to mobilise fresh combinations of methods, theoretical frameworks and techniques to address the complex needs of urban and regional development. It includes illustrative case studies throughout to help planning students see how methods can be operationalised on the ground and connect research with urban and regional planning practice to build foundations for action.
The book pays attention to contemporary trends – such as the growth in information technology, and general shifts in urban and environmental governance – that are affecting the practicalities and protocols of doing planning research. Doing Research in Urban and Regional Planning also encourages ethical reflection and discusses the ethical issues specific to planning research.
Each chapter begins with a chapter outline with learning outcomes and concludes with take-home messages and suggested further readings. It also suggests a range of learning activities and discussion points for each method.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
part 1|54 pages
Conceptualising Research
section Interlude 1|24 pages
Developing your Research Question
part 2|168 pages
Methods
section Interlude 2|18 pages
How your Literature Review Supports your Research
part 2.1|46 pages
Understanding Places
section Interlude 3|28 pages
Good Data Management Practice – Keeping Things Sharable, Reliable, and Ethical
section Interlude 4|2 pages
Fieldwork
part 2.2|60 pages
Working with People
section Interlude 5|19 pages
Presenting and Interpreting Results – Quantitative Data
section Interlude 6|20 pages
Coding Data for Qualitative Analysis
part 2.3|58 pages
Interrogating Practice
part 3|30 pages
Putting it into Practice