Research and Assessment Methods

Question 1

Qualitative Research

Answer 1

Approach for understanding the meaning individuals and groups ascribe to a human or social problem
Emerging questions
Flexible written report
Analysis building from particular data to general themes

Question 2

Quantitative Research

Answer 2

Approach for testing objective theories by examining the variables
Numbered data which can be analyzed using statistical procedures
Structured written report

Question 3

Mixed methods research

Answer 3

Collection of qualitative and quantitative data

Question 4

Range

Answer 4

difference between the largest and the smallest value

Question 5

Mean

Answer 5

Average of a distribution

Question 6

Median

Answer 6

Middle value of a ranked distribution

Question 7

Mode

Answer 7

Most frequent number in a distribution

Question 8

Linear population estimation method

Answer 8

uses the change in population over a period of time and extrapolates that change into the future in a linear fashion

Question 9

Symptomatic Method

Answer 9

Uses any available data indirectly related to population size such as housing starts or new drivers licenses.
Average household size is 2.5

Question 10

Step-Down Ratio Method

Answer 10

Uses the ratio of the population in a city and a county at a known point in time. Ratio is used to project population

Question 11

Distributed Housing Unit Method

Answer 11

multiples census bureau at a for the number of housing units by the occupancy rate and persons per household

Question 12

Cohort Survival Method

Answer 12

Uses the current population plus natural increase (more births, fewer deaths) and net migration to calculate future population. Calculated for men and women in specific age groups

Question 13

Economic base analysis

Answer 13

looks at basic and non-basic economic activities
Basic activities are those that can be exported
Non basic activities are those that are locally oriented

Question 14

Location quotient

Answer 14

ratio of an industry’s share of local employment divided by its share of the nation.
location quotient of less then 1 indicates an importing economy
greater than 1 indicates an exported economy

Question 15

Shift-share analysis

Answer 15

analyzes a local economy in comparison with a larger economy. analysis looks at the differential shift, proportional shift, and economic growth.
Uses employment information by sector for two points in time.
Total employment change in an industry is equal to the economic growth plus the differential shift plus the proportional shift

Question 16

Input-output analysis

Answer 16

quantitative method that links suppliers and purchasers to determine the economic output of a region.
Requires a large quantity of data
Used to determine the employment effect that a particular project has on a local economy

Question 17

North American Industry Classification System (NAICS)

Answer 17

standard used by Federal statistical agencies in classifying business establishments for the purpose of collecting, analyzing and publishing statistical data about the US economy

Question 18

TIGER

Answer 18

Topographically Integrated Geographical Encoding and Referencing Map - used for census data

Question 19

DEMs

Answer 19

Digital Elevation Models - digital data about the elevation of the earth’s surface

Question 20

LIDAR

Answer 20

Light Detection and Ranging - uses laser on airplane to provide detailed topographic information

Question 21

UrbanSim

Answer 21

simulation software program that models planning and urban development

Question 22

CommunityViz

Answer 22

ESRI software environment that allows agencies to analyze land use scenarios and create 3D images