An example of a dissertation proposal on quality of residential life and photovoice: a Housing Studies note

An example of a dissertation proposal on quality of residential life and photovoice: a Housing Studies note

This note is a dialogue between chatgpt and me (accessed via poe.com)

My question 1: "I am a part-time Housing Studies student, currently doing my Research Methods assignment. My assignment theme is to study "the experience of residential quality of life in the public housing estate in Tsuen Wan, Hong Kong, of gen z". As I also live in the public housing estate in Tsuen Wan, I have 4 gen z friends as my neighbors in the public housing estate. I intend to conduct interviews with my 4 friends using the interview method of photovoice, as well as the research method of participant observation. A desk research is to be conducted to gain more relevant knowledge of context of my research theme. The overall research philosophy is pragmatism as I intend to be able to gain some actionable knowledge of how the residential quality of life of gen z can be improved. First of all, could you tell me what are the main ideas of pragmatism as a research philosophy with regard to the subject of Housing Studies? Tks."

The reply from chatgpt: "Pragmatism as a research philosophy emphasizes practical consequences and real-world applications of ideas and theories. In the context of Housing Studies, especially regarding your research theme on the residential quality of life in public housing for Gen Z in Tsuen Wan, the main ideas of pragmatism can be outlined as follows:

1. Focus on Practical Outcomes

The primary goal of research is to produce actionable knowledge that can lead to improvements in housing policies and practices. Your study aims to understand and enhance the residential experience of Gen Z, which aligns with this pragmatic focus.

2. Integration of Multiple Methods

Pragmatism encourages the use of various research methods to gain a comprehensive understanding of a phenomenon. Your combination of photovoice interviews and participant observation reflects this approach, allowing for both qualitative insights and contextual understanding.

3. Contextual Understanding

Pragmatism values the importance of context in shaping experiences and outcomes. By conducting desk research, you are situating your findings within the broader socio-economic and cultural landscape of Tsuen Wan, which is crucial for understanding the specific challenges and opportunities faced by Gen Z in public housing.

4. Collaboration and Engagement

Engaging with participants (your friends and neighbors) as co-researchers in the photovoice method fosters collaboration. This aligns with the pragmatic view that knowledge is co-constructed and that the perspectives of those experiencing the situation are vital.

5. Adaptability and Iteration

Pragmatic research is often iterative, allowing for adjustments based on emerging findings. As you conduct interviews and observations, you may refine your approach or focus areas based on what you learn.

6. Value of Individual Experiences

Pragmatism recognizes the significance of individual experiences and how they contribute to understanding broader social issues. Your focus on the lived experiences of Gen Z in public housing highlights the subjective nature of quality of life.

7. Problem-Solving Orientation

The pragmatic approach is inherently problem-solving, seeking to address challenges faced by communities. Your research aims to identify issues related to residential quality of life and explore potential solutions.

Conclusion

By adopting a pragmatic approach, your research can yield insights that not only contribute to academic knowledge but also inform practical improvements in the residential experiences of Gen Z in public housing. This aligns well with the overarching goal of Housing Studies to enhance living conditions and address housing-related challenges."

My question 2: "Tks a lot; could you offer a dissertation proposal based on my dissertation interests mentioned above? Tks."

The reply from chatgpt: "Here's a structured dissertation proposal based on your interests in studying the residential quality of life in public housing for Gen Z in Tsuen Wan, Hong Kong.

Dissertation Proposal

Title

Exploring the Residential Quality of Life of Gen Z in Public Housing Estates: A Case Study of Tsuen Wan, Hong Kong

Introduction

The residential quality of life in public housing is a critical area of study, particularly for younger generations such as Gen Z, who face unique challenges in urban environments. This research aims to explore the experiences of Gen Z residents in public housing estates in Tsuen Wan, Hong Kong, using a mixed-methods approach that combines photovoice interviews and participant observation.

Research Objectives

To assess the perceived quality of life among Gen Z residents in public housing estates in Tsuen Wan.

To identify the specific factors that influence residential quality of life for this demographic.

To explore how these experiences can inform policies and practices aimed at improving public housing conditions.

Research Questions

How do Gen Z residents perceive their quality of life in public housing estates?

What are the key challenges and opportunities identified by Gen Z residents regarding their living conditions?

How can insights from this demographic be used to enhance residential quality of life in public housing?

Methodology

Research Philosophy

The research will adopt a pragmatic approach, focusing on practical outcomes and real-world implications.

Methods

Photovoice Interviews: Conduct in-depth interviews with four Gen Z friends who reside in the same public housing estate. Participants will use photography to capture their living experiences, enabling them to express their perspectives visually and verbally.

Participant Observation: Engage in participant observation within the housing estate to gain contextual insights into daily life and community interactions among Gen Z residents.

Desk Research: Conduct secondary research to gather existing literature and data on public housing in Hong Kong, focusing on Gen Z's experiences and broader socio-economic contexts.

Data Analysis

Qualitative data from interviews and observations will be analyzed thematically to identify common themes and patterns related to residential quality of life.

The findings will be compared with insights from existing literature to contextualize the results.

Significance of the Study

This research will contribute to the understanding of how public housing affects the quality of life for Gen Z residents, offering insights that could inform policy recommendations aimed at improving living conditions. It will also highlight the importance of engaging young residents in discussions about their housing needs and experiences.

Timeline

Month 1-2: Literature review and desk research.

Month 3: Recruitment of participants and preparation for photovoice method.

Month 4-5: Conduct interviews and participant observation.

Month 6: Data analysis and interpretation.

Month 7: Write-up of findings and conclusion.

Month 8: Final revisions and submission.

References

(Include relevant academic literature and sources that will support your research.)"

My question 3: "Could you provide me with two concrete research method designs, one for the photovoice interview and the one for the participant observation? Tks."

The reply from chatgpt: "Certainly! Here are two concrete research method designs: one for the photovoice interview and one for participant observation.

1. Photovoice Interview Design

Objective: To explore and document the experiences and perceptions of Gen Z residents regarding their residential quality of life in the public housing estate in Tsuen Wan.

Steps:

Participant Selection:

Select 4 Gen Z friends residing in the public housing estate as participants. Ensure diversity in their backgrounds (e.g., gender, education, employment status) to capture varied perspectives.

Pre-Interview Preparation:

Provide participants with a brief orientation on the photovoice method, explaining its purpose and process.

Distribute cameras or encourage the use of smartphones to participants.

Instruct participants to take photos reflecting their daily lives, experiences, and views about their housing environment over a specified period (e.g., one week).

Interview Sessions:

Schedule individual interviews (1-2 hours) after the photo-taking period.

Use a semi-structured interview guide with open-ended questions, such as:

"What does this photo represent for you in terms of your living experience?"

"How do you feel about the quality of life in this housing estate?"

"What changes would you like to see in your community?"

Encourage participants to discuss each photo and their thoughts and feelings associated with them.

Data Collection:

Record interviews (with consent) and take notes on key themes, emotions, and insights that arise during the discussion.

Gather written reflections from participants about their photo-taking experience.

Data Analysis:

Transcribe the interviews and analyze them using thematic analysis to identify common themes and insights related to residential quality of life.

Presentation of Findings:

Create a visual presentation combining participants' photos and quotes from the interviews to illustrate their experiences and perspectives.

2. Participant Observation Design

Objective: To gain an immersive understanding of the daily lives and interactions of Gen Z residents within the public housing estate.

Steps:

Preparation:

Develop an observation framework outlining key areas of focus, such as communal spaces, interactions among residents, and participation in community activities.

Establishing Rapport:

Spend some initial time in the estate to build rapport with residents and gain their trust. Engage in casual conversations to observe social dynamics.

Observation Sessions:

Conduct regular observation sessions (e.g., 2-3 times a week for several weeks) at various times of the day to capture a range of activities and interactions.

Take field notes on observed behaviors, social interactions, and the use of communal spaces, noting any events or activities that involve Gen Z residents.

Key Focus Areas:

Pay attention to:

How Gen Z residents interact with each other and with other age groups.

Their use of communal facilities (e.g., parks, playgrounds, community centers).

Participation in community events or initiatives.

Any visible issues affecting their quality of life (e.g., maintenance of facilities, safety concerns).

Ethical Considerations:

Ensure that observations respect participants' privacy. Avoid recording identifiable information without consent.

Obtain permission from residents for any direct observation or participation in activities.

Data Analysis:

Analyze field notes for recurring themes and patterns related to the quality of life and social dynamics of Gen Z in the estate.

Integration with Other Data:

Combine observational data with insights from photovoice interviews to provide a holistic understanding of residential quality of life.

Conclusion

These two research method designs will allow you to gather rich, qualitative data on the experiences of Gen Z residents in the public housing estate, facilitating a comprehensive exploration of their residential quality of life."

My question 4: "Tks. Could you comment on the strengths and weaknesses of the research methods and the research philosophy employed in this dissertation project? Tks."

The reply from chatgpt: "Certainly! Here’s an overview of the strengths and weaknesses of the research methods (photovoice interviews and participant observation) as well as the pragmatism research philosophy employed in your dissertation project.

Research Methods

Photovoice Interviews

Strengths:

Empowerment of Participants:

Participants express their experiences visually, which can empower them and provide a platform for their voices.

Rich Qualitative Data:

Combines visual data (photos) with verbal insights, offering a deeper understanding of participants' perspectives.

Engagement:

Encourages active participation, leading to more engaged and meaningful discussions during interviews.

Weaknesses:

Subjectivity:

Participants' interpretations of photos may vary, leading to potential biases in understanding their experiences.

Technical Limitations:

Some participants may struggle with the technical aspects of photography, affecting the quality and relevance of the images captured.

Time-Consuming:

Both the photo-taking and interview processes require significant time investment from participants and researchers.

Participant Observation

Strengths:

Contextual Understanding:

Provides insights into the social dynamics and cultural context of the housing estate, enriching the understanding of residents' lives.

Naturalistic Data:

Observations can reveal behaviors and interactions that participants may not articulate in interviews.

Flexibility:

Allows researchers to adapt focus areas based on what is observed in real-time, leading to potential new insights.

Weaknesses:

Observer Bias:

Researcher interpretations of observations may be subjective, potentially skewing findings.

Limited Scope:

Observations are often time-bound and may not capture all aspects of residents’ experiences.

Ethical Concerns:

Ensuring participants’ privacy and obtaining consent can be challenging, especially in communal settings.

Research Philosophy: Pragmatism

Strengths:

Action-Oriented:

Focuses on practical solutions and real-world applications, which is valuable in Housing Studies.

Methodological Flexibility:

Encourages the use of mixed methods, allowing you to address research questions from multiple angles.

Emphasis on Context:

Acknowledges the importance of context in shaping experiences, aligning well with your study of a specific community.

Weaknesses:

Complex Integration:

Combining qualitative and quantitative methods can lead to challenges in integrating findings cohesively.

Potential for Vague Conclusions:

The focus on practical outcomes may sometimes result in less emphasis on theoretical contributions, which could limit academic rigor.

Subjectivity in Interpretation:

Pragmatism’s emphasis on personal experience can lead to diverse interpretations, making it difficult to generalize findings.

Conclusion

Overall, the combination of photovoice interviews and participant observation within a pragmatic research philosophy provides a robust approach to understanding the residential quality of life for Gen Z in public housing. While there are inherent strengths and weaknesses in each method and the philosophy, their integration can yield rich, actionable insights that can contribute significantly to both academic knowledge and practical improvements in housing policy and community engagement."

Reference: a collection of blog notes on using chatgpt for research purpose.