ABSTRACT
Planning research is only one part of the range of influences that go into making a plan. Planners are already well versed in quantitative research methods as prescribed by the American Institute of Certified Planners exam, the Planning Accreditation Board for American planning schools, and existing planning research methods books. If a qualitative inquiry had been done beforehand, the planners would have found that socially isolated, high-density residential dwelling units for low-income families do not produce a positive neighborhood environment. Qualitative data adheres to the understanding that the economy, social structure, environment, and politics are all interrelated parts making up a community. "Theoretical inference" is possible when planning researchers draw big-picture conclusions from one qualitative research project and apply them in another. The process part of qualitative data looks at structured activities that move people within events, as well as move people between events. The chapter also presents an overview of the key concepts discussed in this book.
