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 |