CP509 INTRODUCTION TO RESEARCH METHODS AND ETHICS IN PLANNING AND DESIGN

Course Objectives

This course prepares students to conduct original research on topics related to planning and design. It introduces them to the research process design and different qualitative, quantitative and mixed-method research approaches used by planners and designers. It addresses the selection, development, application, and analysis of various types of methodological instruments and procedures for conducting research about the physical environment. It also introduces students to ethical issues in research.

Course Content

This course prepares students to conduct original research on topics related to planning and design. It introduces them to the research process design and different qualitative, quantitative and nixed- method research approaches used by planners and designers. It addresses the selection, development, application, and analysis of various types of methodological instruments and procedures for conducting research about the physical environment. It also introduces students to ethical issues in research.

Course Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of the course students:

(1) Develop understanding of the relationship between real-world problems and research questions

(2) Gain experience by using the pre-existing knowledge base to refine research questions

(3) Develop familiarity with the range of methodologies available for research in planning and design

(4) Develop skills for critical evaluation of published research

(5) Develop ability to evaluate and select among methodologies appropriate for the particular research agenda and to formulate a research design

(6) Develop confidence in using various methods in the field with “real” people to solve “real” problems

(7) Understand the ethical issues involved in working with human participants and develop for skills in overcoming these issues