This module introduces students to the research methods used in town planning and human geography. Research methods are crucial to all academic inquiry as the practical tools used to answer questions raised by policy makers, theoreticians, or other stakeholders groups. In a nutshell, methods connect theory with practice. As a consequence, our choice of methods must be appropriate to the type of theory we are using, and the type of empirical case we are investigating. This module aims to address these issues.  

1. to understand how and why certain methodologies are chosen for research projects
2. to know the key strengths and weaknesses of key introductory qualitative methods
3. to know the key strengths and weaknesses of key quantitative methods
4. to be able to conduct research using archives, images and media
5. to be able to design, conduct, and analyse a qualitative interview
6. to understand survey design, introductory statistics and GIS
7. to identify, access and use secondary data to address planning and geographic issues
8. to apply GIS mapping and statistical analysis to project work
9. to develop computer skills particularly in terms of statistical software and GIS packages
10. to critically evaluate the sorts of knowledge required to answer research questions

The module will be delivered through a combination of lectures, workshops and in-class seminars.

• Design and implementation of a questionnaire;
• Scientific sampling and survey management;
• Undertaking Interviewing and  focus groups;
• Spatial analysis and handling of geographical data;
• ICT skills.
• Statistical analysis and GIS skills
• Problem solving skills
• Communication, interview, and writing skills

• A formative presentation of group project proposal (15 minutes each group) to be held during December 2012
• Group Project Proposal (50%) - A Small Project involving GIS Mapping and Descriptive Statistical Analysis of Census Data
• Coursework on Qualitative Methods (50%) - Studentification

This module begins by introducing the types of research planners and geographers are involved in within the School. It outlines the range of research approaches undertaken, and the appropriate methodologies used to put them into practice. The autumn portion of this module focuses on descriptive statistics and basic GIS mapping applied to the analysis of UK Census data.  Computer workshop-based trainings using appropriate statistical and GIS software are supplemented by light-touch introductory lectures. Students are asked to propose a small research project that requires the statistical description and mapping of census data.  The module then introduces in the spring semester a range of key qualitative methods, including images, archives, use of the media, and interviews. Some basic quantitative survey methods are also delivered in the spring.

Bryman, A. (2001) Social Research Methods,Oxford University Press.

Clifford, N. and Valentine, G. (eds.)(2003) Key Methods in Geography, London: Sage.

Denzin,N.and Lincoln,Y.(eds.) (2000) The Handbook of Qualitative Research, London: Sage.

de Vaus D.A. (1991) Surveys in Social Research, London: Allen and Unwin.

Longley, P., Goodchild,M.F,,Maguire,D.J., and Rhind,D.W. (eds.) (2005) Geographical Information Systems andScience,2^nd edition, New YorkandChichester: John Wiley&Sons.

May, T. (1998) Social Research:Issues, Methods and Process, 2^nd edition,OpenUniversity Press.

Morgan, D.L. (1997) Focus Groups as Qualitative Research,London: Sage

Salkind, N. J. (2004). Statistics for People Who (Think They) Hate Statistics. London: Sage.

Walliman, N. (2001) Your Research Project: AStep by Step Guide for The First Time Researcher, London: Sage