Research and Assessments Flashcards
Qualitative Research
An approach for understanding the meaning individuals and groups ascribe to a human or social problem. Inductive
Inductive
Analysis building from particular data to general themes
Deductive
An approach for testing objective theories by examining the relationships among variables.
Examples of Qualitative Research
Case Study Method, Comparative Analysis, Discourse Analysis, E-Research, Ethnography, Field Research, Grounded Theory, Narrative Approach
Quantitative Research
Numbered data which can be analyzed using statistical procedures
Examples of Quantitative Research
Structured written report
Mixed Methods Research
Collection of both qualitative and quantitative data. May involve both philosophical assumptions and theoretical frameworks.
What is the benefit of using mixed methods research?
Assumes a more complete understanding of a research problem than using one of the approaches alone
Discourse Analysis
A study of the way versions of the world, society, events, and psyche are produced in the use of language and discourse.
What are examples of discourse analysis?
Semiotics, deconstruction, narrative analysis
E-Research
Harnessing of any digital technology to undertake and promote social research.
Ethnography
A multi-method qualitative approach that studies people in their naturally occurring settings or fields by means of methods which capture their social meanings and ordinary activities. Researcher directly participates
Field Research
Observes everyday event in the environment in which it occurs
Narrative Analysis
Seeks to study the textual devices at work in the constructions of process or sequences within a text. (Discourse Analysis)
Grounded Theory
Data collection and analysis are conducted together. Observations – develops the theory from the data collected rather than applying the theory to the data (Qalitative)
What are the four major population estimations and projection methods?
Linear, Symptomatic, Step-Down Ratio, and Cohort Survival
Linear Method
Change in Population (+ or -) over a period of time and extrapolates that change into the future (Straight Line)
Exponential Method
Rate of growth or decline, the percentage of change in a population over a period of time to estimate the current or future population (Curved Line)
Modified Exponential Method
Assumes there is a cap to the change and that at some point the growth will slow or stop, resulting in an S shaped curved line.
Symptomatic Method
Uses any available data indirectly related to population size such as housing stats or new drivers licenses (always a ratio). For instance, with the average household size at 2.5, data on 100 new single-family building permits that are issued this year, would yield an estimate of 250 new people will be added to the community.
Step-down Ratio Method
Simple way to estimate or project population. Uses ratio of the population in a city and county at a known point in time to estimate future
Distributed Housing Unit Method
Multiplies the number of housing units by the occupancy rate and persons per household. Reliable for slow or stable growth but not reliable in quickly changing communities
Gompertz Projection
Further modification of the modified exponential where the growth is the slowest at the beginning and speeds up over time
Cohort Survival Method
Current Population + Natural Increases (more births, fewer deaths) and net migration (more in migration than out) to calculate a future population. Can be presented in numeric or graphic form (Population Pyramid)
Steps in the Statistical Process
Collect Data, Describe/Summarize Data, Interpreting Data
Discrete Variables
Has distinct minimum “chunks”. Can be Binary or Continuous
Nominal Data
Classified into mutually exclusive groups or categories and lack intrinsic order. Ex/ Zoning Classification, SSN
Ordinal Data
Classified with an implied ranking of observations
Interval Data
Ordered relationship where the difference between the scales has a meaningful interpretation
Ratio Data
Gold standard of measurement where both absolute and relative differences have meaning
Gaussian Distribution
Also known as normal or bell curve. Distribution is symmetric
Linear Regression
Hypothesizes a linear relationship between a dependent variable and one or more explanatory variables
Intercept
Coefficient
Slope Coefficients
Estimated by means of the least squares and their significances is interpreted by means of a T-Test
Statistical Inference
Process of drawing conclusions about the characteristics of a distribution from a sample of data
Hypothesis Test
Statement about particular characteristic of a population
Null Hypothesis
Goal is to reject this
Sampling Error
Provides the connection between the sample and the population
Sampling Distribution
Random variation in sampling error
Systematic Error
Random, occurs because our model or assumptions is wrong
T Test
Used to compare the means of two populations based on their sample averages
ANOVA or Analysis of Variance
More complex form of testing the equality of means between groups (treatment vs. control groups)
Chi Square Test
Measure of fit, used to test hte null hypothesis of independence in a contingency table, skewed distribution
Economic Base Analysis
Basic Activities (exported) and Non-Basic Activities (locally oriented)
Location Quotient
Ratio of an industry’s share of local employment divided by it’s share of the nation or other level of government.
Location Quotient > 1
Exporting Economy
Location Quotient < 1
Importing Economy
Shift Share Analysis
Analyzes a local economy in comparison with a larger economy (looks for differential or proportional shifts and economic growth)
NAICS or North American Industry Classification System
Federal Statistical Agencies use this to classify business establishments for the purpose of collecting, analyzing, and publishing statistical data about the US Economy
Input-output Analysis
Quantitative Method, Links suppliers and purchasers to determine the economic output of a region. IDs suppliers and purchasers – lots of data. Assumes no economies of scale
Spatial Data
Themes, layers or coverages. Displayed accurately because of georeferencing
GIS - Geographic Information System
Computerized Mapping
Attributes
Information about an object or feature
Topographic Map
2D representation of a portion of the 3D surface of the Earth
TIGER
Topgraphically Integrated Geographical Encoding and Referencing Map, census data
Digital Aerial Photography
Allowed for increased accuracy to the 0.5 foot resolution and can be incorporated into GIS
Digital Elevation Models (DEMs)
Shows digital data about the elevation of the earth’s surface – stromwater management, flood control, land use decisions, etc.
LIDAR - Light Detection Ranging
Laser mounted to a plane to provide detailed topographic information
Urban Sim
Simulation software that models planning and urban development used by MPOs
CommunityViz
ESRI software that allows agencies to analyze land use scenarios and create 3D images
Urban Footprint
Simulation program options for planners
Cross-sectional survey
Gathers information about a population at a single point in time
Longitudinal survey
Gathers information over a period of time
Probability Sampling
Random, Systematic, Stratified, Cluster
Non-Probability Sampling
No precise connection between the sample and population - Snowball, Conveniece, Volunteered
