Doing research in urban and regional planning : Lessons in practical methods / Diana MacCallum, Courtney Babb and Carey Curtis

Includes index.

Part I: Conceptualising Research -- Chapter 1 Introduction: why a special textbook for planning? -- Chapter 2 What are methods? What is methodology? -- Chapter 3 Theories in planning research: how they can help you -- Chapter 4 The big divide? Quantitative vs. qualitative approaches -- Chapter 5 The case study approach -- Part II: Methods 2.1: Understanding Places -- Chapter 6 Describing places from secondary data – and some cautionary tales -- Chapter 7 Evaluating places: auditing and site analysis techniquest -- Chapter 8 Understanding urban change: Land use surveys 2.2: Working with People -- Chapter 9 Gauging public opinion: Questionnaires -- Chapter 10 Interrogating stakeholder ideas: focus groups and iterative methods -- Chapter 11 Exploring information, opinions and attitudes: In-depth interviews 2.3 Interrogating Practice -- Chapter 12 People in place, people in practice: non-verbal methods -- Chapter 13 What can documents tell you about planning practice? Three types of text analysis -- Chapter 14 Planning research as practical action: Participatory methods Part III: Putting it Into Practice -- Chapter 15 Looking after yourself and others: ethical and personal issues in planning research -- Chapter 16 Pulling it all together.

Doing Research in Urban and Regional Planning provides a basic introduction to methodology and methods in planning research. It brings together the methods most commonly used in planning, explaining their key applications and basic protocols. It addresses the unique needs of planners by dealing with concerns which cut across the social, economic, and physical sciences, showing readers how to mobilise fresh combinations of methods, theoretical frameworks and techniques to address the complex needs of urban and regional development. It includes illustrative case studies throughout to help planning students see how methods can be operationalised on the ground and connect research with urban and regional planning practice to build foundations for action. The book pays attention to contemporary trends – such as the growth in information technology, and general shifts in urban and environmental governance – that are affecting the practicalities and protocols of doing planning research. Doing Research in Urban and Regional Planning also encourages ethical reflection and discusses the ethical issues specific to planning research. Each chapter begins with a chapter outline with learning outcomes and concludes with take-home messages and suggested further readings. It also suggests a range of learning activities and discussion points for each method.