pla5rmp research methods for planners
RESEARCH METHODS FOR PLANNERS
PLA5RMP
2017
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.
SchoolSchool of Humanities & Social Sciences
Credit points15
Subject Co-ordinatorKatharine McKinnon
Available to Study Abroad StudentsYes
Subject year levelYear Level 5 - Masters
Exchange StudentsYes
Subject particulars
Subject rules
PrerequisitesN/A
Co-requisitesN/A
Incompatible subjects PLA4RMP, HUS5REM
Equivalent subjectsN/A
Special conditionsN/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 |
| Readings | Doing Research in the Real World | Recommended | David Gray 2004 | SAGE |
Graduate capabilities & intended learning outcomes
01. Critical application of a variety of specialist research techniques in fields related to land use planning
- Activities:
- Block seminars and online activities, presentation, research proposal, quantitative 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:
- Block seminars and online activities, research proposal, quantitative 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:
- Block seminars and online activities, 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:
- Block seminars, Supervision, research proposal
- Related graduate capabilities and elements:
- Inquiry/ Research(Inquiry/ Research)
- Writing(Writing)
- Critical Thinking(Critical Thinking)
Subject options
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Bendigo, 2017, Semester 1, Blended
Overview
Online enrolmentYes
Maximum enrolment sizeN/A
Enrolment information
Subject Instance Co-ordinatorKatharine McKinnon
Class requirements
Block ModeWeek: 10 - 22
Three 5.0 hours block mode per study period on weekdays during the day from week 10 to week 22 and delivered via blended.
Unscheduled Online ClassWeek: 10 - 22
One 2.0 hours unscheduled online class per week on any day including weekend during the day from week 10 to week 22 and delivered via online.
"Students will complete online learning activities on a weekly basis prior to joining tutorials"
TutorialWeek: 10 - 22
One 1.0 hours tutorial per week on weekdays during the day from week 10 to week 22 and delivered via blended.
"Tutorials will be held weekly on Bendigo campus, with Melbourne students joining via video conferencing."
Supervisor ConsultationWeek: 10 - 22
One 0.5 hours supervisor consultation every two weeks on weekdays during the day from week 10 to week 22 and delivered via face-to-face.
"Students will meet with research supervisors from Planning program on a fortnightly basis to develop their research topics."
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 |