CP509 INTRODUCTION TO RESEARCH METHODS AND ETHICS IN PLANNING AND DESIGN
| Course Code: | 8530509 |
| METU Credit (Theoretical-Laboratory hours/week): | 3 (2.00 - 2.00) |
| ECTS Credit: | 6.0 |
| Department: | City Planning |
| Language of Instruction: | English |
| Level of Study: | Graduate |
| Course Coordinator: | Prof.Dr. ANLI ATAÖV DEMİRKAN |
| Offered Semester: | Spring Semesters. |
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
Program Outcomes Matrix
| Level of Contribution | |||||
| # | Program Outcomes | 0 | 1 | 2 | 3 |
| 1 | To follow and evaluate contemporary developments and discussions on urban development and urban planning. | ✔ | |||
| 2 | To attain the accumulation of knowledge that enables to establish relations between theoretical studies to empirical studies on practice. | ✔ | |||
| 3 | To have the necessary knowledge and skills in order to relate urban development theories to policies and plans. | ✔ | |||
| 4 | To have the accumulation of knowledge that enables to establish cooordination between different approaches developed by various disciplines. | ✔ | |||
| 5 | To evaluate plausible approaches in solving urban problems and their causes by using theoretical knowledge and technical skills. | ✔ | |||
| 6 | To have a good command of English language in order to follow international developments and publications as well as carrying out international studies. | ✔ | |||
| 7 | To have the competence to conduct high quality works in project and plan development processes. | ✔ | |||
| 8 | To develop solutions by interpreting and creating syntheses among those parties that take place in the planning process. | ✔ | |||
| 9 | To be confident in making use of the proposed solution alternatives for determining the priorities in policy and plan making. | ✔ | |||
| 10 | To develop the necessary technical knowhow and communicational skills to present the work accomplished by urban planners. | ✔ | |||
0: No Contribution 1: Little Contribution 2: Partial Contribution 3: Full Contribution