RESEARCH METHODS FOR PLANNERS
PLA5RMP
2016
Credit points: 15
Subject outline
This subject offers a broad introduction to techniques of social research, and gives students the basic skills needed to construct a research project including developing a literature review, research questions, and determining appropriate methods for the project. The course will focus strongly on developing skills around modelling for change in land use, population, housing and labour force. Students will develop a critical awareness of different research methods and approaches to social research and their usefulness in strategic and policy settings.
School: School of Humanities & Social Sciences
Credit points: 15
Subject Co-ordinator: Katharine McKinnon
Available to Study Abroad Students: Yes
Subject year level: Year Level 5 - Masters
Exchange Students: Yes
Subject particulars
Subject rules
Prerequisites: N/A
Co-requisites: N/A
Incompatible subjects: PLA4RMP
Equivalent subjects: N/A
Special conditions: N/A
Learning resources
Readings
| Resource Type | Title | Resource Requirement | Author and Year | Publisher |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Readings | Social Research: Issues, methods and process 4th Ed | Recommended | Tim May 2011 | Open University |
Graduate capabilities & intended learning outcomes
01. Critical application of a variety of specialist research techniques in fields related to land use planning
- Activities:
- Lectures, presentation, research proposal, population task
- Related graduate capabilities and elements:
- Inquiry/ Research(Inquiry/ Research)
- Critical Thinking(Critical Thinking)
02. Demonstrated proficiency in a selected number of data assessment and analysis techniques
- Activities:
- Lectures, research proposal, population task
- Related graduate capabilities and elements:
- Inquiry/ Research(Inquiry/ Research)
- Critical Thinking(Critical Thinking)
- Writing(Writing)
- Creative Problem-solving(Creative Problem-solving)
03. Competence in developing research questions based on critical analysis of existing research
- Activities:
- Lectures, presentation, literature review, research proposal
- Related graduate capabilities and elements:
- Inquiry/ Research(Inquiry/ Research)
- Creative Problem-solving(Creative Problem-solving)
- Writing(Writing)
- Critical Thinking(Critical Thinking)
04. Develop a social research project with a focus on community planning and land use planning, with appropriate scope and methods
- Activities:
- Lectures, literature review, research proposal
- Related graduate capabilities and elements:
- Inquiry/ Research(Inquiry/ Research)
- Writing(Writing)
- Critical Thinking(Critical Thinking)
Bendigo, 2016, Semester 1, Day
Overview
Online enrolment: Yes
Maximum enrolment size: N/A
Enrolment information:
Subject Instance Co-ordinator: Katharine McKinnon
Class requirements
SeminarWeek: 10 - 22
Five 7.0 hours seminar other recurrence on any day including weekend during the day from week 10 to week 22 and delivered via blended.
SeminarWeek: 10 - 22
Eight 1.0 hours seminar other recurrence on weekdays during the day from week 10 to week 22 and delivered via blended.
Assessments
| Assessment element | Comments | % | ILO* |
|---|---|---|---|
| Short presentation | 5 | 01, 03 | |
| Literature review & research questions | 25 | 01, 02, 03 | |
| Population task | 20 | 01, 02 | |
| Research proposal | 50 | 01, 02, 03, 04 |