Data Collection & Involvement Terms

Question 1

gathers information about a population at a single point in time. For example, planners might conduct a survey on how parents feel about the quality of recreation facilities as of today

Answer 1

cross-sectional survey

Question 2

survey over a period of time, e.g. some cities conduct a citizen survey of service satisfaction every couple of years. This data can be combined to compare the differences in satisfaction between 1995 and 2005.

Answer 2

longitudinal survey

Question 3

written survey with a low response rate (average 20%) and requires strong visual and literacy skills (barriers to seniors, non-English speakers, etc)

Answer 3

mail survey

Question 4

high and quick response rate, small sample size survey, such as giving all participants of a rec program a survey at the end of class

Answer 4

group-administered surveys

Question 5

survey to be left at someone’s residence or business and complete the survey at their convenience. Response rates are higher because the person delivering the survey may have personal contact with the respondent. This method can be expensive because of the time required to distribute the surveys. The sample is generally smaller than with a mail survey.

Answer 5

drop-off survey

Question 6

Can be for yes/no, or allow the interviewer to follow up and gain further explanation on answers. Response rates are declining, more expensive to administer, can be biased due to interaction with the interviewer. Long questions and those with multiple answers are difficult to administer using this method.

Answer 6

phone survey

Question 7

an inexpensive method of surveying that can generate quick responses. A higher response rate but will not reach people with tech barriers, which can introduce significant bias.

Answer 7

online survey

Question 8

survey preparation to ensure results represent the population about which information is being gathered

Answer 8

sample design

Question 9

a direct mathematical relation between the sample and the population, so that precise conclusions can be drawn

Answer 9

probability sampling (random, systematic, stratified, cluster random samples)

Question 10

the population is divided into separate groups or classes, from which a sample is drawn such that the classes in the population are represented by the classes in the sample. Most electoral surveys

Answer 10

stratified sampling

Question 11

a specific target group out of the general population is sampled from, such as the elderly, or residents of a specific neighborhood.

Answer 11

cluster sample, a special form of stratified sampling

Question 12

no precise connection between the sample and the population, so that the results have to be interpreted with caution since they are not necessarily representative of the population

Answer 12

non-probability sampling (convenience sample, snowball sample (word of mouth chain), volunteer etc)

Question 13

the three Vs of relevance and valitity of big data

Answer 13

volume, velocity and variety

Question 14

represention favors one fraction of the population rather than the whole

Answer 14

selection bias

Question 15

a technique that planners can use to reframe controversial issues, responding to opponents while also recasting how the issue is viewed. The trick is to use transitional phrases to stay on message when asked a question that could take you off topic.

Answer 15

bridging

Question 16

Key Message on top, a First Proof layer in the middle, and a Second Proof layer at the bottom

Answer 16

message pyramid

Question 17

require that meetings and decisions of regulatory authorities be publicly available

Answer 17

Sunshine Laws

Question 18

an intensive collaborative effort that brings together citizens, stakeholders, and staff to develop a detailed design plan for a specific area, held over one or more days, develops consensus quickly

Answer 18

design charrette

Question 19

a structured process of public participation with the intent of coming to a consensus decision; panel of selected, informed citizens and stakeholders are asked to complete a series of questionnaires; over time, the range of answers decreases and the group converges towards a single solution.

Answer 19

Delphi Method

Question 20

a group process involving problem identification, solution generation, and decision making that can be used for groups of any size that want to come to a decision by vote. List of ideas is ranked, discussed, combined reranked and then selected.

Answer 20

Nominal Group technique

Question 21

a person who does not have a direct stake in the outcome of a meeting to help groups that disagree work together to solve complex problems and come to a consensus

Answer 21

facilitation

Question 22

method in which a neutral third party facilitates discussion in a structured multi-stage process to help parties reach a satisfactory agreement, in writing, resolving dispute out of court

Answer 22

mediation

Question 23

a technique that can be used to assist citizens in evaluating physical images of natural and built environments.

Answer 23

visual preference survey

Question 24

an informal approach to gathering input in the initial stages of a project, or in trying to determine goals.

Answer 24

brainstorming

Question 25

an informal gathering at a neighbor’s house

Answer 25

coffee klatch

Question 26

a randomly-selected group of participants who collaborate on developing solutions to a given issue

Answer 26

planning cell

Question 27

Collecting data in the planning and implementation phases, such as frequency and content of planning meetings, inclusiveness of process, and diversity/representativeness of planners. Done at the beginning and throughout the engagement process.

Answer 27

Process evaluation

Question 28

assesses change resulting from community engagement, such as change in the way people engage with each other and change resulting from their engagement, individual or community level changes in how people engage with each other. Is conducted at the end of an engagement process.

Answer 28

outcome evaluation

Question 29

seeks to establish evidence of causality. It requires random assignment of participants and the use of an intervention group and a control group. This evaluation can be more challenging to implement and costly to do because of the prerequisites needed to be able to conduct it effectively

Answer 29

Impact evaluation

Question 30

a method used in evaluation to engage key stakeholders in assessing the impact of community engagement, direct and indirect impacts over a period of time in a web/graphic

Answer 30

Ripple Effect Mapping (REM)