| CODE | SPI3724 | ||||||||
| TITLE | Research Methods and Tools for Spatial Planners | ||||||||
| UM LEVEL | 03 - Years 2, 3, 4 in Modular Undergraduate Course | ||||||||
| MQF LEVEL | 6 | ||||||||
| ECTS CREDITS | 4 | ||||||||
| DEPARTMENT | Spatial Planning and Infrastructure | ||||||||
| DESCRIPTION | This study-unit consists of a number of lectures and 1 seminar intended to provide students following the Bachelor degree programme in spatial planning, with an understanding of research methodologies required, and tools available, to undertake research in spatial planning. The study-unit will offer guidance on how to undertake literature reviews, how to plan a research project, how to collect, process and analyze data, both quantitative and qualitative, and how to use appropriate conventions to write up research reports. The study-unit is intended as a preparation for the final year requirements for the undergraduate course in spatial planning, and particularly the preparation of a research proposal for the Long Essay (SPI3725). Study-Unit Aims: The objectives of this study-unit is to give students a knowledge base of research methodologies and tools which they will require in their own research, and particularly the writing of a final year Long Essay. Learning Outcomes: 1. Knowledge & Understanding: By the end of the study-unit the student will be able to: - Identify research problems, and choose appropriate techniques of research; - Distinguish between different research strategies; - Demonstrate an understanding of the techniques of data collection, and the relevance and significance of proper sampling and sample size; - Identify the proper use of different research tools, such as interviews, questionnaires, and experimental investigation; - Critically assess the results of research investigations, and identify the limitations of such results; - Comprehend the conventions in academic writing; - Recognize the value of research ethics, intellectual property and data protection. 2. Skills: By the end of the study-unit the student will be able to: - Plan a research assignment, including the formulation of a research question, the development of a proposal or hypothesis, and the design of a process to test such hypothesis; - Undertake a literature review, and handle and critically evaluate sources, as well as properly reference such sources; - Use electronic library resources; - Design a sampling programme, an interview or a questionnaire; - Analyze research results, quantitatively or qualitatively as appropriate; - Write research reports clearly, in a style appropriate to purpose and in accordance with accepted standards; - Use appropriate IT to optimize the creation of research documents, and the presentation of research results. Main Text/s and any supplementary readings: Main Texts: - Bloomberg, L.D., Volpe, M. 2008. Completing Your Qualitative Dissertation: A Road Map From Beginning to End. SAGE Publications. - Farthing, S. 2016. Research Design in Urban Planning: a student's guide. SAGE Publications. - Greetham, B. 2001. How to Write Better Essays. Palgrave. - Heiman, G.W. 1996. Basic Statistics for the Behavioural Sciences. Houghton Mifflin Co. - Levin, P. 2005. Excellent Dissertations. Open University Press. - Yin, R. 2018. Case Study Research and Applications: Design and Methods. SAGE Publications. Supplementary Readings: - Berdie, D.R., Anderson, J.F. 1974. Questionnaire Design and Use. Scarecrow Press. - Lunenburg, F. 2007. Writing a Successful Thesis or Dissertation: Tips and Strategies for Students in the Social and Behavioral Sciences. Corwin. - Silva, E., Healey, P., Harris, N., Van den Broeck, P. 2016. The Routledge Handbook of Planning Research Methods. Routledge. - Terrell, S. 2015. Writing a Proposal for Your Dissertation: Guidelines and Examples. The Guilford Press. |
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| STUDY-UNIT TYPE | Lecture and Seminar | ||||||||
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| LECTURER/S | Joseph Onor MP Falzon |
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The University makes every effort to ensure that the published Courses Plans, Programmes of Study and Study-Unit information are complete and up-to-date at the time of publication. The University reserves the right to make changes in case errors are detected after publication.
The availability of optional units may be subject to timetabling constraints. Units not attracting a sufficient number of registrations may be withdrawn without notice. It should be noted that all the information in the description above applies to study-units available during the academic year 2025/6. It may be subject to change in subsequent years. |
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