Studying Cities: Social Science Methods for Urban Research from Coursera

Welcome!

Are you looking to learn more about how to conduct scientific research, specifically in an urban or local context? Then you have found the right course: Studying Cities: Social Science Methods for Urban Research by the Institute for Housing and Urban Development Studies (IHS), Erasmus University Rotterdam. During the course you will gain more insight in the different steps of the research cycle, and build a firm foundation for your own future research endeavors.

Before any (urban) researcher may start conducting research, it is crucial to understand the different aspects and elements of doing research. The course will guide you through the various steps of the research cycle to provide you with the basic knowledge necessary for any Master-level program, but with a special focus on urban and local development. The course starts with introductory lectures on the problem statement, research objective, empirical cycle and the research question. Over the following weeks you will also learn the components and criteria of the theoretical framework and operationalization, research strategies, and the collection and analysis of quantitative and qualitative data. You will be provided with the necessary tools to understand and evaluate these key steps in scientific research by watching video lectures with in-video questions and by completing the final peer review, which will use all the elements you have learnt throughout the course.

What's inside

Syllabus

Research Topic

By studying this week’s materials and by answering the related questions and quiz, you will gain a deeper understanding of the need and the criteria for a problem statement, the main components of the research design and how to formulate a good research question. You will learn the different aspects in order to understand these primary steps in conducting research, and be given the tools to evaluate the quality of research questions according to the criteria.

Theoretical Framework and Operationalization

By studying this week’s materials and by answering the related questions and quiz, you will gain more insight in how operationalization transitions theory to empirical research. You will learn how an empirical researcher creates the transformation from the research question to the conceptual framework, and from the complex concepts of this framework to measurable (unambiguous) indicators. You will also become aware of the most common mistakes inexperienced researchers make in the operationalization.

Research Strategies

By studying this week’s materials and by answering the related questions and quiz, you will gain more knowledge about the possible strategies or approaches in empirical research. The research strategy of any research should be a coherent body of decisions concerning the way in which the researcher is going to carry out the research in order to obtain valid answers to the research questions. The main strategies in social science research will be discussed during this week’s lectures, namely the survey, quasi-experiment, case study and desk research (working with existing large data sets). You will gain basic knowledge on these 4 strategies, and how they link to research questions. By the end of the week you will understand the importance of choosing appropriate methods and techniques in relation to a research question.

Quantitative and Qualitative Data

By studying this week’s materials and by answering the related questions and quiz, you will gain knowledge on the basics of collecting data. The video lectures will teach you how to deal with primary quantitative data collection (survey) and secondary quantitative data collection (existing large data sets). We’ll continue the week with qualitative data collection, both primary (interviews) and secondary (from existing literature). Therefore you will gain a basic understanding of the data collection for each of the research strategies treated last week.

Quantitative and Qualitative Analysis

By studying this week’s materials and by answering the related questions and quiz, you will gain insight in the analysis of the different types of data. From the point of data collection last week, it is important to understand the various ways to analysis the data. During this week you collect the essential knowledge on data collection that any academic researcher needs. Links to other MOOCs will be shared that can be used to broader your knowledge on specific statistics. The week concludes with the final test, encompassing all you have learned during the course. By passing this final test, you will pass the course.

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, and possible dealbreakers

Offers grounding in social science methods for urban research, building a strong academic and practical foundation for Master-level programs

Instructors are esteemed experts in the field of housing and urban development studies at Erasmus University Rotterdam, providing learners with access to the latest research and industry knowledge

Covers a range of essential topics in conducting scientific research, including research design, data collection, and analysis, providing a comprehensive overview of the research process

Features peer review exercises and in-video questions to enhance understanding and reinforce learning throughout the course

May require prior knowledge in social science research methods, as it is designed for Master-level students

Recommended for individuals with an interest in pursuing research in urban or local contexts, particularly in social sciences

Reviews summary

Urban research methods for social scientists

Learners say this exceptionally well crafted course is a great opportunity to study social science research methods in the urban context. Students point out it is especially useful for preparing a thesis proposal in urban studies. The comprehensive, well-organized modules are made up of engaging, informative videos and assignments that task learning. Students say this highly recommended course is a very clear and concise overview of urban research methods that fits well as a foundational framework for urban analytics.

Course is difficult but satisfying

"Difficult to accomplish yet so satisfying to complete"

Final assessment is rigorous

"Such a rigorous, thorough and enjoyable course - you really feel like you are learning fantastic content and technical skills."

Assignments encourage and task learning

"Exceptionally well crafted modules. The videos and assignments encourage and task learning . "

Lectures are clear and engaging

"Excellent course. Gives you a complete understanding of Urban Research methods and use of data collection technology and resolve. Use of syntax and strategy selection."

"The course on Studying cities has helped me to expand my scope pf research in urban studies form Historical research methods to a interdisciplinary methodology."

Instructors are knowledgeable and organized

"The instructors are very organized and the videos have excellent recording and processing quality."

"A very clear and concise course, good marking methods."

Content is specialized and relevant

"This is a great course because of its specialized content."

"Quite eye-opening course. Very relevant for student pursuing social sciences."

Very insightful and lively learning materials

"Very insightful and lively learning materials"

Workload can be hectic

"It would be better by expanding challenges by practical qualitative and quantitative methods"

"peer graded assignments was a little bit hectic, as many peers didn't involve in proper grading methods"

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Studying Cities: Social Science Methods for Urban Research with these activities:

Review: Research Design: Quantitative, Qualitative, and Mixed Methods Approaches

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Expand your knowledge of research design and methods

View Research Design - International Student Edition on Amazon

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Read selected chapters from the book
Summarize the key concepts of each chapter
Apply the concepts to your own research project

Exercise: Construct a Research Topic

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Solidify your ability to construct a research question in a scientific context

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Review the lecture on the need for a problem statement
Analyze a real-world problem and articulate the associated research question

Tutorial: Choosing the Right Research Strategy

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Strengthen your understanding of the different research strategies available

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Review the lecture on the different research strategies
Research different research strategies and their strengths and weaknesses
Identify the appropriate research strategy for your own research question

Four other activities

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Show all seven activities

Peer Review: Research Proposal

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Enhance your research proposal by receiving feedback from peers

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Draft a research proposal for your research project
Exchange proposals with a peer
Provide constructive feedback to your peer on their research proposal
Revise your research proposal based on feedback

Project: Develop a Research Framework

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Further develop your understanding of the different components of a research framework

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Review the lectures on the components of a framework
Analyze a real-world research question and identify the key components of the framework
Develop a research framework for your own research topic

Blog Post: Analyzing and Interpreting Data

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Improve your ability to analyze and interpret research data

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Review the lecture on data analysis and interpretation
Analyze and interpret a real-world data set
Write a blog post explaining your analysis and interpretation

Contribute to an Open Source Research Project

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Gain practical experience in conducting research by contributing to an open source project

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Identify an open source research project that aligns with your interests
Contact the project maintainers and express your interest in contributing
Follow the project's guidelines and contribute to the project

Career center

Learners who complete Studying Cities: Social Science Methods for Urban Research will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Urban Planner

Urban planners use their knowledge of land use, zoning, and other regulations to design and implement plans for the development of cities and towns. They may also work on environmental issues, such as air and water pollution, and social issues, such as affordable housing and transportation. A course on social science methods for urban research could be helpful for urban planners by providing them with the skills they need to conduct research on the needs of urban residents and to evaluate the effectiveness of different planning policies.

See salaries and explore the career path for Urban Planner

City Manager

City managers oversee the day-to-day operations of cities and towns. They are responsible for managing the city's budget, hiring and firing employees, and implementing policies set by the city council. A course on social science methods for urban research could be helpful for city managers by providing them with the skills they need to understand the needs of urban residents and to evaluate the effectiveness of different policies.

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Regional Planner

Regional planners develop plans for the development of regions, which may include multiple cities and towns. They work with local governments, businesses, and community groups to identify and address regional issues, such as transportation, housing, and economic development. A course on social science methods for urban research could be helpful for regional planners by providing them with the skills they need to conduct research on the needs of regional residents and to evaluate the effectiveness of different planning policies.

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Transportation Planner

Transportation planners develop plans for the development of transportation systems, such as roads, highways, and public transportation. They work with engineers, architects, and other professionals to design and implement transportation systems that meet the needs of the community. A course on social science methods for urban research could be helpful for transportation planners by providing them with the skills they need to conduct research on the needs of transportation users and to evaluate the effectiveness of different transportation policies.

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Environmental Planner

Environmental planners develop plans for the protection and management of the environment. They work with scientists, engineers, and other professionals to identify and address environmental issues, such as air and water pollution, and climate change. A course on social science methods for urban research could be helpful for environmental planners by providing them with the skills they need to conduct research on the environmental needs of communities and to evaluate the effectiveness of different environmental policies.

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Housing Developer

Housing developers develop and manage housing projects, which may include single-family homes, apartments, and condominiums. They work with architects, engineers, and other professionals to design and construct housing projects that meet the needs of the community. A course on social science methods for urban research could be helpful for housing developers by providing them with the skills they need to conduct research on the housing needs of communities and to evaluate the effectiveness of different housing policies.

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Economic Development Director

Economic development directors oversee the economic development of cities and towns. They work with businesses, community groups, and other stakeholders to attract new businesses to the area and to support the growth of existing businesses. A course on social science methods for urban research could be helpful for economic development directors by providing them with the skills they need to conduct research on the economic needs of the community and to evaluate the effectiveness of different economic development policies.

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Community Development Director

Community development directors oversee the development of communities, which may include planning, zoning, and housing. They work with residents, businesses, and other stakeholders to improve the quality of life in the community. A course on social science methods for urban research could be helpful for community development directors by providing them with the skills they need to conduct research on the needs of the community and to evaluate the effectiveness of different community development policies.

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Sustainability Coordinator

Sustainability coordinators develop and implement plans for the sustainability of cities and towns. They work with businesses, community groups, and other stakeholders to reduce the environmental impact of the community and to promote sustainability. A course on social science methods for urban research could be helpful for sustainability coordinators by providing them with the skills they need to conduct research on the sustainability needs of the community and to evaluate the effectiveness of different sustainability policies.

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Resilience Officer

Resilience officers help cities and towns to prepare for and respond to natural disasters and other emergencies. They work with emergency managers, first responders, and other stakeholders to develop and implement plans for the resilience of the community. A course on social science methods for urban research could be helpful for resilience officers by providing them with the skills they need to conduct research on the resilience needs of the community and to evaluate the effectiveness of different resilience policies.

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Historic Preservation Officer

Historic preservation officers oversee the preservation of historic buildings and other landmarks. They work with architects, engineers, and other professionals to identify and protect historic resources. A course on social science methods for urban research could be helpful for historic preservation officers by providing them with the skills they need to conduct research on the historical significance of buildings and other landmarks and to evaluate the effectiveness of different historic preservation policies.

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Park Planner

Park planners develop and manage parks and other recreational facilities. They work with architects, engineers, and other professionals to design and construct parks that meet the needs of the community. A course on social science methods for urban research could be helpful for park planners by providing them with the skills they need to conduct research on the recreational needs of the community and to evaluate the effectiveness of different park policies.

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Real Estate Analyst

Real estate analysts research and analyze real estate markets. They provide advice to investors, developers, and other stakeholders on the value of real estate and the potential risks and rewards of investing in real estate. A course on social science methods for urban research could be helpful for real estate analysts by providing them with the skills they need to conduct research on the real estate market and to evaluate the effectiveness of different real estate policies.

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Market Researcher

Market researchers study the market for products and services. They conduct surveys, focus groups, and other research methods to collect data on consumer behavior and preferences. A course on social science methods for urban research could be helpful for market researchers by providing them with the skills they need to design and conduct research studies and to analyze and interpret data.

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Data Analyst

Data analysts collect, clean, and analyze data to identify trends and patterns. They use their findings to make recommendations to businesses and organizations on how to improve their operations and achieve their goals. A course on social science methods for urban research could be helpful for data analysts by providing them with the skills they need to design and conduct research studies and to analyze and interpret data.

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