Studying Cities Social Science Methods for Urban Research

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.

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Syllabus

Syllabus - What you will learn from this course
Week 1
Research Topic
Week 2
Theoretical Framework and Operationalization
Week 3
Research Strategies
Week 4
Quantitative and Qualitative Data
Week 5
Quantitative and Qualitative Analysis

FAQ

When will I have access to the lectures and assignments?

Access to lectures and assignments depends on your type of enrollment. If you take a course in audit mode, you will be able to see most course materials for free. To access graded assignments and to earn a Certificate, you will need to purchase the Certificate experience, during or after your audit. If you don't see the audit option:

What will I get if I purchase the Certificate?

When you purchase a Certificate you get access to all course materials, including graded assignments. Upon completing the course, your electronic Certificate will be added to your Accomplishments page - from there, you can print your Certificate or add it to your LinkedIn profile. If you only want to read and view the course content, you can audit the course for free.

Is financial aid available?

Yes. In select learning programs, you can apply for financial aid or a scholarship if you can’t afford the enrollment fee. If fin aid or scholarship is available for your learning program selection, you’ll find a link to apply on the description page.

Do I need prior knowledge?

The course is suitable for graduate students in social sciences, but is especially directed towards those interested in urban and local development and management. Your prior knowledge will be tested at the beginning of the course, to give you more insight in your own learning development. The course content is based on providing basic knowledge for master students, which may be used during the master course or as preparation for prospective master students.

Do I need additional materials?

During the course you will enjoy video lectures, testimonials and additional readings. These will all be made available within the course, so no further resources are needed. Of course to fully comprehend research methods, additional studying independent of the course is advisable.

How can I pass the course?

To pass this course, you are expected to read and view all the researches provided. Your prior knowledge will be tested at the start, which will not be graded. During the course there will be practice quizzes at the end of every week, and you will pass the course by passing the final test in week 5.

Reviews

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.

Its really good. It gives indepth knowledge about Research.

Highly recommended for those intrested in urbanism and studying cities.

This is a great course for those who want to pursue in studying cities.