Analytical Methods

This subject has the following teaching availabilities in 2016:

170 hours

Admission into a course at the Melbourne School of Design.

For the purposes of considering request for Reasonable Adjustments under the Disability Standards for Education (Cwth 2005), and Student Support and Engagement Policy, academic requirements for this subject are articulated in the Subject Overview, Learning Outcomes, Assessment and Generic Skills sections of this entry.

It is University policy to take all reasonable steps to minimise the impact of disability upon academic study, and reasonable adjustments will be made to enhance a student's participation in the University's programs. Students who feel their disability may impact on meeting the requirements of this subject are encouraged to discuss this matter with a Faculty Student Adviser and Student Equity and Disability Support: http://services.unimelb.edu.au/disability

Planners shape cities and regions by managing land use, development, infrastructure and services. In order to do this effectively, it is essential that planners have the capacity to gather and analyse data relevant to planning circumstances, even when the information available to them is incomplete. Further, it is critical that planners are able to design appropriate planning inquiries, and critique the processes designed by others. This subject provides students with an introduction to the essential process of research undertaken by planners, including the consideration of professional ethics.

Through completion of the subject, students will be equipped with the ability to: gather and analyse both primary and secondary data; understand and apply essential principles of both qualitative and quantitative methods; and identify the context for their appropriate use. Students will be trained to critically assess any shortcomings of data sources and methods, and consider the impact this has on the conclusions drawn. Overall, the subject facilitates the development of skills and knowledge regarding the use, collection, analysis, and representation of information. This will be utilized in future subjects and practice as planners.

• Apply appropriate research processes to address planning problems
• Identify professional ethics concerns related to the process of research in planning
• Understand the principles of gathering and analysis of primary and secondary data
• Understand and apply qualitative and quantitative method principles in appropriate contexts
• Critically assess the shortcomings of a range of data sources and methods, and evaluate the impact this has on conclusions drawn

• Problem statement, Due week 5, 30%, 1500 words;
• Draft methodology statement, due Week 8, Hurdle;
• Peer review of draft methodology statement, Due week 10, 20%, 1200 words;
• Final methodology statement, During the Exam period, 40%, 2000 words;
• Tutorial class participation 10%.

Bryman, Alan. Social research methods Oxford Univesity Press 2016 (5th edition)

or

Bryman, Alan. Social research methods Oxford Univesity Press 2012 (4th edition)

This subject is not available as a breadth subject.

• To be critical and creative thinkers
• To reach a high level of achievement in writing, generic research activities, problem-solving and communication
• To achieve the expansion of analytical and cognitive skills