This book provides a basic introduction to methodology and methods in planning research. It brings together the methods most commonly used in planning, explaining their key applications and basic protocols, and addresses the unique needs of planners by dealing with concerns which cut across the social, economic, and physical sciences.

Part I: Conceptualising Research Chapter 1 Introduction: why a special textbook for planning? Chapter 2 What are methods? What is methodology? Chapter 3 Theories in planning research: how they can help you Chapter 4 The big divide? Quantitative vs. qualitative approaches Chapter 5 The case study approach Part II: Methods 2.1: Understanding Places Chapter 6 Describing places from secondary data - and some cautionary tales Chapter 7 Evaluating places: auditing and site analysis techniquest Chapter 8 Understanding urban change: Land use surveys 2.2: Working with People Chapter 9 Gauging public opinion: Questionnaires Chapter 10 Interrogating stakeholder ideas: focus groups and iterative methods Chapter 11 Exploring information, opinions and attitudes: In-depth interviews 2.3 Interrogating Practice Chapter 12 People in place, people in practice: non-verbal methods Chapter 13 What can documents tell you about planning practice? Three types of text analysis Chapter 14 Planning research as practical action: Participatory methods Part III: Putting it Into Practice Chapter 15 Looking after yourself and others: ethical and personal issues in planning research Chapter 16 Pulling it all together