| Term | Definition |
| The plan making process includes | Goals and visions;
Analysis of current problems; and
Creation and evaluation of alternatives. |
| Survey | A research method that allows one to collect data on a topic that cannot be directly observed, such as opinions on downtown retailing opportunities. |
| Cross-sectional Survey | Gathers information about a population at a single point in time |
| Primary Data | Data that is created; survey, observations or other methods |
| Secondary Data | Existing data (e.g. US Census) |
| Longitudinal surveys | Involves repeated observations of the same variables over a long period of time |
| Written Surveys | Obtain information from a broad audience; can be used in newspaper, mailed or administered in a group |
| Pros of Written Survey | Low cost |
| Cons of Written Survey | Low response rate, 20%
May not be appropriate for seniors, non-English speaking or illiterate |
| Group-administered Surveys | Appropriate when there is a specific population that a planner is trying to target. |
| Pros/Cons of Group-Administered Surveys | High and quick response rate
Difficult administering survey
Small sample size |
| Drop-off Survey | Allows the survey to be dropped off at someone's residence of business |
| Pros/Cons of Drop-Off Survey | Higher response rate than mail survey
Expensive |
| Oral Surveys | Administered on the phone or in person |
| Pros of a Phone Survey | Useful for yes/no answers
Interviewer to follow up and gain further explanation on answers
Response rate varies |
| Cons of Phone Survey | Expensive
Interviewer can be biased
Long or multiple answered questions are difficult to administer |
| Online Surveys | Can be administered over website, email or text |
| Pros of an Online Survey | Higher response rate
Inexpensive |
| Cons of Online Survey | Will not be able to reach those without internet access |
| Sampling | A statistical procedure that is concerned with the selection of the individual observation; accurate representation of a population |
| Convenience Sampling | Uses individuals that are readily available |
| Volunteer Sample | Made up of people who are self-selection |
| Random Sampling | Everyone has a chance of being selected to participate |
| Stratified Sampling | Divides the population into groups, known as classes, from which a sample is drawn |
