URSI 403--Doing Urban Research -- Lecture Notes 2

I. Posing a Question

"Dr. Pell was wont to say that in the Solution of Questions, the Maine Matter was the well-stating of them; wch. requires mother-witt and Logick...; for let the question be but well-stated, it will worke almost of itselfe." John Aubrey

A. The Two Cultures (C.P. Snow)

Empirical Tradition
- creation of abstract models
- capture essence of observed objects or events
- create "map" of some segment of the world
- elements of map represent elements of "real world" (assumed to exist outside private experience)
Humanistic Tradition
- description of phenomenal world
- capture meaning of phenomenon
- explain appearance of phenomenon
- description & explanation based on interaction of perceiver and perceived

B. Beginning Assumptions

How does science develop?
- Linear
- Cyclical
How does science approach phenomena?
- Truth
- Data (predictive usefulness)
How is a scientific decision made?
- Falsifiability
- Direct proof
What is the relation between units and the whole?
- Group vs. individual effects
- General vs. aggregate effects
How are questions posed?
- Dichotomy
- Triad
- Multi-valent
- Fuzzy sets

C. Rational Decision Making Model

What are the alternatives?
The Model
- Goals statement (ordering of needs)
  - what needs are to be served
  - whose needs are to be served
  - importance of needs (as felt by community as well as profession)
  - consequences of solution (intended & unintended)
  NOTE: May not be possible to rationally (objectively & analytically) order needs. Some decisions are inherently irrational. Standards (professional judgement) may be used in those cases.
- Analyze system structure
  - need variable (output, dependent variable)
  - control variable (input, independent variable, manipulated variable)
  - uncontrolled variables (external variables)
  NOTE: direct impact in one system may have indirect impact in others.
- Select possible solutions
- Implement selected solution
- Evaluate achievement of solution

MSU