VVZ API is not affiliated with ETH Zurich. Data might be outdated or incorrect. Please view the official ETHZ Vorlesungsverzeichnis for binding information.
Methodology of Planning Research and Practice
Methoden der Planung in Forschung und Praxis
Last Updated: 2026-02-05 16:01:14
Abstract
This course deals with scientific and applied methods and the ways of thinking that are useful in planning practice as well as in scientific research. Students are offered interdisciplinary knowledge from planning practice and research, behavioural economics and social sciences. New perspectives on planning are opened up, which can lead to better results in future projects and research.
Objective
Keeping the general aim of exploring the basic methodologies in spatial planning research and practice, the specific course learning objectives are as follows: - to address complex real-world spatial problems in adequate ways - to know relevant theories and maxims that are subject to specific methods of problem solving - to identify key questions and key concepts in contemporary planning research - to select appropriate research methods to properly address the research questions In practical terms, students: - learn to deal with uncertainties and estimate quantities - improve their ability to take decisions based on incomplete data and information - are informed about different (qualitative and quantitative) methods and techniques for spatial research - learn about different types of research (theoretical, empirical, action-oriented, qualitative, quantitative) - get skilled for writing simple research essays - are urged to question their own knowledge and challenge the course of action taken in planning processes
Content
The course is based on the following questions: How do we deal with complex issues in planning? - Forms of knowledge, half-knowledge and not knowing - Occurrence and explanation patterns for irrational behaviour - Spatial research and planning practice - Planning maxims - Mapping complex topics in research questions How do we generate knowledge about complex issues? - Methods for scientific data generation - Applied handling of quantities and probabilities - Estimating despite uncertainties - Opportunities of digitisation in planning (Participation, BigData) How do we react to complex questions in planning? - Methods of scientific data analysis - Making decisions despite incomplete information - Dealing with robustness and fragility More specifically, the lectures focus on the following topics (NB: Some content units will be presented in English, they are marked with *asterisk below) - (Half-) knowledge/behaviour/irrationalities - Initial situation: Solving complex problems - Forms of knowledge, knowing of not knowing something, not knowing of not knowing something - Behavioural patterns, occurrence and explanation patterns for irrational behaviour - Methods for solving complex tasks in planning practice - Spatial research and planning practice - connections, differences, overlaps - Challenges in the solution of complex tasks: System delimitation, interdisciplinarity, retrospective vs. prospective approach (descriptive vs. action-oriented, "reflected scenario building") - Planning maxims - *Methodology in spatial research - *Research design - *Research questions (types of research questions; research questions, hypotheses and theories); justification of research question - Data generation methods (interviews and questionnaires, ethnography and observation, documents, official statistics) - Dealing with quantities, estimations, anchor effect - Importance of scales and key figures in planning - Estimation methods - Danger of the anchor effect - Digitization in planning - New data sources and sizes - Opportunities and challenges through digitisation in planning - Data analysis methods (quantitative and qualitative data; quantitative analysis of survey data; qualitative analysis - content analysis, discourse analysis, case study, comparative research) - *Research ethics - Decisions based on incomplete information - Dealing with complex systems/roughness - *Role of science in planning - the perspective of both research and practice
Resources
Lecture Notes
Learning materials: available online (Moodle) before corresponding lecture.
Literature
Farthing, S. (2015). Research Design in Urban Planning: A Student’s Guide. London: Sage. Schönwandt W., Voermanek K., Utz J., et al. (2013): Solving Complex Problems. A Handbook. Jovis, Berlin Kahnemann, D. (2013). Thinking, Fast and Slow. New York: Farrar, Straus and Giroux.
General Information
- Language
- German
- Levels
- MSC
- Frequency
- Yearly recurring
Examination
- Type
- session examination
- Mode
- oral 30 minutes
Course Components
| Type | Title | Time & Place | Hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| lecture with exercise |
Methoden der Planung in Forschung und Praxis
Does not take place this semester.
Hinweis: Wird ab FS23 unter neuem Titel angeboten.
|
No time listed | 2 h weekly |