AICP Plan Making and Implementation
Describe Quantitative data and research and describe how it can be applied in planning
- answer Planning analysis, particularly for research studies, breaks down into two
basic forms: quantitative and qualitative research. Qualitative research is the analysis of
descriptive information (words as opposed to numbers). Quantitative data is numerical
and often expressed as a percentage or statistical term (average, median, standard
deviation, etc.).
Quantitative research is necessary for statistical analysis, geographic information
systems, and other planning functions. For example, a study to determine the preferred
mode of transportation to a park starts with observing how many people reach the area
using a given mode of transport. Numerical data is collected for how many drove a car,
how many walked, how many used the bus, and how many rode their bike. This data is
then analyzed to show the percentage of each mode of transportation used to reach the
park, which could be broken down further by time of day.
Big data refers to quantitative data. The effective interpretation of large data sets
requires the use of quantitative analysis tools.
Define quantitative research and describe how it can be applied in planning practice -
answer Research is necessary to start any planning analysis. The research can bi
informal, such as a simple data collection and analysis effort. Sometimes formal
research studies are necessary to identify root causes and policy recommendations.
Wliile there are several different types of research studies, these studies utilize one or
both types of data: quantitative and qualitative. Quantitative analysis concerns
numerical data. Qualitative research is the analysis of descriptive information (words as
opposed t‹ numbers).
Qualitative research is conducted multiple ways:
• Conducting interviews
• Reviewing relevant literature
• Analyzing existing reports and studies
• Developing case studies
• Describing human behavior
In planning practice, qualitative research is necessary for analyzing an area's historical
context, its existing conditions, and much more. Within planning research, qualitative
analysis utilizes case studies, reports, process documents, and interviews. Qualitative
, research provides nuance behind quantitative data. It is necessary for establishing the
intangibles that guide the planning process, leading to the creation of a sound, technical
plan.
Define the statistical terms mean, median, and mode, providing context to how they are
applied within planning analysis. - answer Mean, median, and mode are the most
common statistical analysis terms used in planning practice.
• Mean: the sum of a numerical set, divided by how many numbers are part of the set. In
the series of numbers (1,1,7,9,9, 13,13,13, 24), the mean is 10. Planning practice uses
the word average more often than mean. For example, the average age of the
neighborhood is 67 (often referring to a senior living community), or the average age is
41 (often describing a neighborhood with young families).
• Median: the middle number sequentially in a set of numbers. In the series of numbers
(1,1,7,9,9,13,13,13,24), the median is
9. The median is often used when the average could skew someone's interpretation of
the data. For example, median home value is often preferred to average home value
(which is susceptible to outliers).
• Mode: the most common number in a set of numbers. In the series of numbers
(1,1,7,9,9,13,13,13,24), the mode is 13. In planning practice, it is common to explain the
mode without using the word mode. An example of how mode is described: "The most
frequently found vehicle on a street is a sedan."
Define key terms associated with sampling as an element of statistics. - answer
Statistics is the science of collecting and analyzing large quantities of data. The practice
is most often applied when trying to make inferences about a bigger population from a
smaller sample. The data used in a statistical analysis is quantitative data or qualitative
data that has been coded to allow for use in statistical models.
Statistical analysis often relies on sampling a larger population. A sample of a larger
population can take many forms.
• Representative sample: a select group of people who accurately reflect the larger
population. In planning, a representative sample could be a percentage of a community
that shares similar characteristics with the entire community.
• Random sample: a randomly chosen group that's part of a larger population. In
planning, statistical analysis of a random sample might produce a margin of error or
sampling bias. For example, if a random sample of the community shows that the
average age is 50, but a whole community analysis indicates a younger population,
planners would have a skewed view of the community's needs.
Describe the five types of sampling methods and how hey can be applied during the
planning process. - answer Planning research, existing conditions analyses, and
community preference surveys often require sampling. It is not feasible or cost- effective
to survey every single person. Sampling is the process of surveying a select group of
Describe Quantitative data and research and describe how it can be applied in planning
- answer Planning analysis, particularly for research studies, breaks down into two
basic forms: quantitative and qualitative research. Qualitative research is the analysis of
descriptive information (words as opposed to numbers). Quantitative data is numerical
and often expressed as a percentage or statistical term (average, median, standard
deviation, etc.).
Quantitative research is necessary for statistical analysis, geographic information
systems, and other planning functions. For example, a study to determine the preferred
mode of transportation to a park starts with observing how many people reach the area
using a given mode of transport. Numerical data is collected for how many drove a car,
how many walked, how many used the bus, and how many rode their bike. This data is
then analyzed to show the percentage of each mode of transportation used to reach the
park, which could be broken down further by time of day.
Big data refers to quantitative data. The effective interpretation of large data sets
requires the use of quantitative analysis tools.
Define quantitative research and describe how it can be applied in planning practice -
answer Research is necessary to start any planning analysis. The research can bi
informal, such as a simple data collection and analysis effort. Sometimes formal
research studies are necessary to identify root causes and policy recommendations.
Wliile there are several different types of research studies, these studies utilize one or
both types of data: quantitative and qualitative. Quantitative analysis concerns
numerical data. Qualitative research is the analysis of descriptive information (words as
opposed t‹ numbers).
Qualitative research is conducted multiple ways:
• Conducting interviews
• Reviewing relevant literature
• Analyzing existing reports and studies
• Developing case studies
• Describing human behavior
In planning practice, qualitative research is necessary for analyzing an area's historical
context, its existing conditions, and much more. Within planning research, qualitative
analysis utilizes case studies, reports, process documents, and interviews. Qualitative
, research provides nuance behind quantitative data. It is necessary for establishing the
intangibles that guide the planning process, leading to the creation of a sound, technical
plan.
Define the statistical terms mean, median, and mode, providing context to how they are
applied within planning analysis. - answer Mean, median, and mode are the most
common statistical analysis terms used in planning practice.
• Mean: the sum of a numerical set, divided by how many numbers are part of the set. In
the series of numbers (1,1,7,9,9, 13,13,13, 24), the mean is 10. Planning practice uses
the word average more often than mean. For example, the average age of the
neighborhood is 67 (often referring to a senior living community), or the average age is
41 (often describing a neighborhood with young families).
• Median: the middle number sequentially in a set of numbers. In the series of numbers
(1,1,7,9,9,13,13,13,24), the median is
9. The median is often used when the average could skew someone's interpretation of
the data. For example, median home value is often preferred to average home value
(which is susceptible to outliers).
• Mode: the most common number in a set of numbers. In the series of numbers
(1,1,7,9,9,13,13,13,24), the mode is 13. In planning practice, it is common to explain the
mode without using the word mode. An example of how mode is described: "The most
frequently found vehicle on a street is a sedan."
Define key terms associated with sampling as an element of statistics. - answer
Statistics is the science of collecting and analyzing large quantities of data. The practice
is most often applied when trying to make inferences about a bigger population from a
smaller sample. The data used in a statistical analysis is quantitative data or qualitative
data that has been coded to allow for use in statistical models.
Statistical analysis often relies on sampling a larger population. A sample of a larger
population can take many forms.
• Representative sample: a select group of people who accurately reflect the larger
population. In planning, a representative sample could be a percentage of a community
that shares similar characteristics with the entire community.
• Random sample: a randomly chosen group that's part of a larger population. In
planning, statistical analysis of a random sample might produce a margin of error or
sampling bias. For example, if a random sample of the community shows that the
average age is 50, but a whole community analysis indicates a younger population,
planners would have a skewed view of the community's needs.
Describe the five types of sampling methods and how hey can be applied during the
planning process. - answer Planning research, existing conditions analyses, and
community preference surveys often require sampling. It is not feasible or cost- effective
to survey every single person. Sampling is the process of surveying a select group of
