Literature reading

Ontology

How we understand the nature of the world.

Positivism

Assumes the world is an external objective reality that can be understood through objective findings.

Post-positivism

Acknowledges that while reality exists, understanding that reality is always imperfect.

Quantitative methods

Research methods focused on quantifiable data and statistical analysis.

Extreme cases

Cases that significantly diverge from norms, used to gain insights into broader generalizations.

Critical theory

A paradigm that critiques society and culture by applying knowledge from the social sciences.

Constructivism

The belief that truth is dependent on the perspective of the individuals involved.

Spatial unit

A defined area or location used for studying urban phenomena.

Coarse grained data

Broad data aggregated over larger units or areas.

Fine grained data

Detailed data collected at smaller scales.

Physical sensors

Devices used to collect data about environmental conditions, traffic flow, etc.

Internet of Things (IoT)

A network of interconnected devices that can collect and exchange data.

Aggregated data

Data that is collected and presented in summary form.

Anonymized data

Data that has been processed to remove personal identifiers.

Person of interest (PoI)

Digital representations of real-world locations linked to specific attributes.

Geolocalized data

Data that includes geographical location information.

Affective atmosphere

The emotional climate or mood that is created by physical or social environments.

Thematic analysis

A method used to identify and analyze patterns or themes in qualitative data.

Purposive sampling

A non-random sampling method used to select participants based on specific characteristics.

Shadowing research

A qualitative research method focusing on observing and recording the activities of participants.

Procedural ethics

Ethics designed to prevent abuse in research, including approval committees.

Ethics in practice

Focus on real-time ethical decisions during research.

Non-participant observation

A research method where the observer does not engage in the activities being observed.

Correlation

A statistical measure that describes the extent to which two variables change together.

Covariance

A measure indicating the extent to which two variables vary in tandem.

Linear regression

A statistical method that models the relationship between a dependent variable and one or more independent variables.

Logistic regression

A type of regression analysis used for predicting the outcome of a categorical variable.

Paradigm

A framework containing the basic assumptions, ways of thinking, and methodology commonly accepted by a community.

Critical cases

Cases selected because they can provide significant insights through logical deductions.

Hermeneutical methods

Methods used to interpret and analyze texts and their meanings.

Census

An official count or survey of a population.

Interviews

A qualitative research method involving direct personal questioning.

Sampling bias

A bias that occurs when the sample is not representative of the population.

Narrative interviews

Open-ended interviews focusing on how individuals construct their experiences.

Qualitative research

Research that seeks to understand phenomena through the subjective interpretation of data.

Quantitative research

Research that focuses on quantifying data and generalizing results across populations.

Fieldwork

Research conducted in a natural setting rather than in a laboratory or office.

Emotional geographies

How people's feelings relate to their environments and how both influence each other.

Context-appropriate frame

A suitable analytical perspective that takes into account the specific context of the study.

Social media data

Information generated from social media platforms that can provide insights into user behavior.

Data interpretation

The process of making sense of collected data.

Population sample

A subset of individuals selected from a larger population for the purpose of research.

Thick descriptions

Detailed accounts that provide context to data, allowing for better understanding and interpretation.

Affects

Pre-ideological, visceral responses that can stimulate a reaction.

Subjective epistemologies

Knowledge interpretations that are influenced by the researcher’s identity.

Norms

Social rules that govern behavior within a society or group.

Institutional analysis

A method of studying how institutions influence social practices.

Cultural values

Shared standards and principles that guide behavior within a group.

Behavioral agents

Individuals or groups whose actions are being studied in research.

Field notes

Notes taken by researchers during fieldwork to capture observations and insights.

Ethnography

A qualitative research method focused on studying cultures and communities through direct observation.

Interdisciplinary perspectives

Approaches that draw from multiple academic disciplines to analyze issues.

Visual ethnography

A qualitative research method that uses visual materials in the study of cultures.

Narrating the city

The practice of conveying the urban experience through storytelling and personal accounts.

Urban studies

A field of study focused on understanding cities and urban processes.

Urbanisation

The increasing population concentration in urban areas.

Gentrification

A process where wealthier residents move into an area, often displacing poorer inhabitants.

Legitimacy

The general perception that the actions of an entity are desirable or appropriate.

Methodological questions

Inquiries related to the methods used in research.

Changing social norms

Evolving expectations and rules within a society.

Holistic approach

A method of analysis that considers the whole system rather than just parts.

Data-driven insights

Knowledge gained from analyzing data trends and patterns.

Ethnographic methods

Research techniques that involve immersive observation and participation.

Ethical considerations

Factors that address the moral implications of research methods and processes.

Participant observation

A qualitative research method where the researcher actively engages in the study group.

Subject matter expertise

Specialized knowledge in a particular area of study.

Research transparency

The practice of being open about research methods, processes, and findings.

Consensual research

Research conducted with the explicit consent of participants.

Qualitative data

Non-numerical information that captures concepts, experiences, or meanings.

Quantitative analysis

The examination of numerical data to identify patterns and relationships.

Analytical framework

A structured approach used to analyze and interpret research data.

Methodological rigor

The strict application of research methods to ensure validity and reliability.

Group dynamics

The behavioral and psychological processes that occur within a group.

Research implications

The potential effects or consequences of research findings on practice or policy.

Statistical significance

A mathematical measure that defines the likelihood of a result occurring by chance.

Impacts of policies

The effects that governmental or organizational decisions have on society.

Urban data

Information related to the study of cities and urban environments.

Bias in research

Systematic favoritism that skews the research findings.

Impact of context

The influence that situational factors have on research outcomes.

Qualitative rigor

The depth and thoroughness of qualitative research methods.

Narrative inquiry

Research that explores individuals' personal stories to gather insights.

Data triangulation

The use of multiple data sources to enhance the credibility of research findings.

Situational ethics

Moral decision-making that considers circumstances affecting ethical practices.

Scientific rigor

The strict adherence to the scientific method in research.

Causal relationships

Connections between variables where one influences or affects the other.

Research design

The plan outlining how to conduct a research study.

Value-based assessment

Evaluating the worth of something based on underlying principles or judgments.

Agent-based models

Simulations used to understand the actions and interactions of autonomous agents.

Integration of data

The process of combining different types of data for comprehensive analysis.

Research outcomes

The results or findings derived from research activities.

Thematic coding

A method for identifying and categorizing themes within qualitative data.

Conceptual framework

An analytical tool that helps to organize and interpret research findings.

Field research ethics

Ethical considerations specific to research conducted in real-world settings.

Subjectivity

The influence of personal feelings and opinions in the research process.