Research Methods in Urban Studies

Prerequisite: URB 600. The pre-requisite may be waived by permission of the Department Chair. This course examines research methods used to produce and analyze accurate data on a range of urban issues. Students will learn how to frame research questions; which methodologies can be employed to answer them and why and when to use them; and what tools of research are available and how to use them. They will learn how to analyze data to produce research reports with conclusions supported by reliable data. Students will discuss the theoretical and operational issues critical to doing urban research and will develop tools and techniques for conducting both quantitative and qualitative research. Students will critique and evaluate specific urban research studies and will make presentations, posing questions for group discussion. Finally, students will become familiar with statistical programs for data analysis. One week of class sessions will be scheduled in a Computer Lab for basic SPSS training. For their final project, students will work in groups to prepare a proposal for an urban research project. The topic must be approved in advance by the instructor. Drawing upon material from the course, groups will outline the research question (or questions); develop hypotheses; explain the methods used to investigate the question and test hypotheses; and justify the use of particular methodologies. In addition to submitting the proposal, each group will make a brief class presentation. Department Consent Required.

Fall, Spring

033196