Asking chatgpt (accessed via poe.com) to make a proposal on housing affordability and social mobility
My question 1: "I am a part-time Housing Studies student, currently attempting to formulate my dissertation proposal. My research theme is on "how the problem of housing affordability affect social mobility in Hong Kong". I intend to employ the Sociological Imagination lens to study this research theme. First of all, could you tell me what are the main ideas underlying sociological imagination?"
The reply from chatgpt: "The concept of sociological imagination, introduced by C. Wright Mills, emphasizes the connection between individual experiences and larger social forces. Here are the main ideas underlying sociological imagination:
Interplay Between Individual and Society: It encourages individuals to understand how personal issues (like housing affordability) are often influenced by broader social structures and historical contexts.
Contextual Understanding: Sociological imagination allows for the examination of personal circumstances within the context of societal trends, helping to reveal how factors like economic policies, cultural norms, and institutional practices shape individual experiences.
Critical Thinking: It promotes critical thinking about the taken-for-granted aspects of life, urging individuals to question commonly accepted beliefs and to look at the underlying social processes.
Awareness of Social Change: The framework encourages awareness of how social changes (e.g., shifts in housing markets, economic conditions) impact people's lives, particularly in terms of opportunities for social mobility.
Empathy and Perspective: By using sociological imagination, researchers and individuals can cultivate empathy, understanding different experiences and perspectives beyond their own, which is crucial for studying issues like housing affordability.
Linkage of Personal Troubles and Public Issues: It helps to differentiate between personal troubles (individual struggles with housing costs) and public issues (broader systemic issues affecting many people), thus providing a holistic view of social phenomena.
Using this lens for your dissertation on housing affordability in Hong Kong can provide deep insights into how individual experiences of housing challenges relate to wider economic and social structures, thus affecting social mobility."
My question 2: "Tks for clarification. I intend to study the external context of my research theme with the desk research method. In addition, I will employ narrative interview to 4 interviewees, 2 being my gen x relatives and 2 being my gen y Housing Studies classmates on their personal views on my research theme. I will also conduct a questionnaire survey, based on convenience sampling, to my friends and relatives, to learn their opinions on my research theme. My overall research philosophy is critical realism. Based on this information, could you produce a research proposal for me, notably with research objectives and a few housing-related issues included? Tks."
The reply from chatgpt: "Certainly! Below is a structured research proposal based on your outlined methodology and research focus:
Research Proposal: Housing Affordability and Social Mobility in Hong Kong
1. Introduction
Housing affordability is a critical issue in Hong Kong, impacting not only the quality of life but also social mobility. This research aims to explore how the problem of housing affordability affects social mobility in Hong Kong, employing a critical realism approach to understand the interplay between individual experiences and broader societal structures.
2. Research Objectives
To investigate the perceptions of different generations (Gen X and Gen Y) regarding housing affordability in Hong Kong and its implications for social mobility.
To identify key housing-related issues that contribute to the challenges of affordability and their impact on social mobility.
To analyze the external socio-economic factors influencing housing affordability in Hong Kong.
To synthesize qualitative and quantitative data to provide a comprehensive understanding of how housing affordability affects individual and collective social mobility.
3. Methodology
3.1 Desk Research
Conduct a thorough review of existing literature, policy documents, and statistical data to understand the external context of housing affordability in Hong Kong. This will include studies on housing market trends, economic policies, and demographic shifts.
3.2 Narrative Interviews
Conduct in-depth narrative interviews with four participants:
Two Gen X relatives who have experienced the housing market over several decades.
Two Gen Y Housing Studies classmates who are currently engaged with housing issues and policies.
Focus on their personal experiences, perceptions, and insights regarding housing affordability and its implications for social mobility.
3.3 Questionnaire Survey
Develop a questionnaire to gather quantitative data on housing affordability perceptions from friends and relatives, utilizing convenience sampling.
The survey will include questions on:
Personal experiences with housing costs.
Views on how housing affordability impacts opportunities for social mobility.
Awareness of government policies and social programs related to housing.
4. Housing-Related Issues to Explore
Rising Property Prices: Analyze the impact of escalating property costs on access to housing for different socio-economic groups.
Income Inequality: Examine how disparities in income affect the ability to afford housing and consequently influence social mobility.
Government Policies: Investigate the effectiveness of government interventions (e.g., public housing schemes, subsidies) in addressing housing affordability issues.
Cultural Factors: Consider how cultural attitudes toward home ownership and rental markets shape perceptions of housing affordability.
5. Research Philosophy
The research will adopt a critical realism philosophy, acknowledging that while individual experiences are shaped by social structures, these structures can be understood and critiqued through qualitative and quantitative lenses. This approach will facilitate a deeper understanding of the complex relationship between housing affordability and social mobility.
6. Conclusion
This research aims to provide insights into how housing affordability in Hong Kong affects social mobility across different generations. By integrating desk research, narrative interviews, and survey data, the study seeks to contribute to the existing literature and inform policy discussions regarding housing and social equity."
My question 3: "Very useful. Could you provide a more concrete interview plan for me, as I am not familiar with the research method of narrative interview? Tks."
The reply from chatgpt: "Absolutely! Here’s a concrete interview plan for conducting narrative interviews with your selected participants:
Interview Plan for Narrative Interviews
1. Objective of the Interviews
To gather personal narratives and insights from participants regarding their experiences and perceptions of housing affordability and its impact on social mobility in Hong Kong.
2. Participant Selection
Total Participants: 4
2 Gen X Relatives: Older individuals who have experienced the housing market over a longer period.
2 Gen Y Housing Studies Classmates: Younger individuals currently navigating the housing situation.
3. Interview Structure
Duration: 30-60 minutes per interview
Format: Semi-structured, allowing for open-ended responses while guiding the conversation with specific prompts.
4. Preparation
Background Research: Familiarize yourself with the housing issues in Hong Kong to frame your questions effectively.
Interview Guide: Prepare a list of guiding questions and prompts, but remain flexible to follow the narrative as it unfolds.
5. Sample Interview Questions
Opening Question:
"Can you tell me about your experiences with housing in Hong Kong?"
Housing Affordability:
"What does housing affordability mean to you personally?"
"How have you seen housing prices change over the years?"
Social Mobility:
"In what ways do you believe housing affordability impacts your ability to move up socially or economically?"
"Do you feel that housing costs have influenced your career choices or opportunities?"
Generational Perspectives:
"How do you think your experiences with housing compare to those of younger generations?"
"What advice would you give to younger people facing similar housing challenges?"
Closing Question:
"Is there anything else you would like to share about your experience with housing in Hong Kong?"
6. Conducting the Interview
Setting: Choose a comfortable, quiet location or conduct the interview via a video call if necessary.
Recording: With permission, record the interview for accurate transcription later.
Active Listening: Engage actively, using follow-up questions based on the participant's responses to explore deeper insights.
7. Post-Interview Process
Transcription: Transcribe the interviews promptly after completion.
Analysis: Use thematic analysis to identify key themes and narratives that emerge from the interviews.
Feedback: Consider sharing a summary of findings with participants for validation or additional insights.
8. Ethical Considerations
Informed Consent: Ensure participants understand the purpose of the study and their rights.
Confidentiality: Assure participants that their identities will remain confidential and that data will be stored securely.
Conclusion
This structured approach to narrative interviews will help you gather rich, qualitative data while allowing participants to share their stories and perspectives on housing affordability and social mobility in Hong Kong."
My question 4: "Tks, Could you tell me more what the main questionnaire questions are to be covered in the questionnaire survey?"
The reply from chatgpt: "Certainly! Here’s a list of main questionnaire questions you could include in your survey on housing affordability and its impact on social mobility in Hong Kong. These questions are designed to capture a range of perspectives and experiences related to your research theme.
Main Questionnaire Questions
Demographic Information
Age: What is your age?
Gender: What is your gender?
Occupation: What is your current occupation?
Income Level: What is your monthly income range? (e.g., <HK$10,000, HK$10,000-HK$20,000, etc.)
Housing Situation: What is your current housing situation? (e.g., renting, owning, living with family)
Housing Affordability
Affordability Perception: How would you rate the affordability of housing in Hong Kong? (Very affordable, Affordable, Neutral, Unaffordable, Very unaffordable)
Monthly Housing Costs: What percentage of your monthly income do you spend on housing? (e.g., 0-20%, 21-40%, 41-60%, etc.)
Impact of Housing Costs: How much do you believe housing costs affect your daily life? (Not at all, A little, Moderately, Very much, Extremely)
Social Mobility
Impact on Opportunities: Do you think housing affordability has affected your opportunities for career advancement? (Not at all, A little, Moderately, Very much, Extremely)
Social Mobility Perception: How would you rate your social mobility in relation to housing affordability? (Very high, High, Neutral, Low, Very low)
Generational Comparison: How do you think housing affordability compares today to when your parents were your age? (Much better, Better, About the same, Worse, Much worse)
Personal Experience
Personal Impact: Have you ever had to make a significant life decision (e.g., job change, education, family planning) due to housing costs?
Yes / No
If yes, please briefly describe the decision.
Future Plans: How does your current housing situation affect your future plans (e.g., buying a home, starting a family)?
Open-ended response
Open-Ended Questions
Additional Insights: What are your thoughts on how housing policies in Hong Kong could be improved to enhance affordability and social mobility?
Open-ended response
Personal Narrative: Please share any personal experiences or stories related to housing that you feel are important.
Open-ended response
Conclusion
These questions aim to provide a comprehensive view of the participants' perceptions and experiences regarding housing affordability and its relationship to social mobility. Adjust or expand upon these questions based on your specific research goals and the insights you wish to gather."
My question 5: "Tks again. Could you tell me which research method is related to which research objective of this study?"
The reply from chatgpt: "Certainly! Here’s a breakdown of research methods aligned with your research objectives for the study on how housing affordability affects social mobility in Hong Kong.
Research Objectives and Corresponding Methods
1. Objective: Understand the Impact of Housing Affordability on Individual Experiences
Method: Narrative Interviews
Rationale: Conducting narrative interviews with Gen X relatives and Gen Y classmates will allow you to gather in-depth personal stories and insights about their experiences with housing affordability and its effects on their social mobility.
2. Objective: Analyze Perspectives on Housing Affordability Across Different Generations
Method: Comparative Analysis Using Interviews
Rationale: By comparing the narratives of different generational cohorts (Gen X vs. Gen Y), you can identify how perceptions and experiences of housing affordability differ, providing insights into the generational effects on social mobility.
3. Objective: Collect Quantitative Data on Public Perception of Housing Affordability
Method: Questionnaire Survey
Rationale: A structured questionnaire survey will enable you to gather quantitative data from a broader sample of friends and relatives, allowing you to analyze trends and patterns regarding their perceptions of housing affordability and social mobility.
4. Objective: Explore the Relationship Between Housing Costs and Social Mobility
Method: Mixed-Methods Approach
Rationale: Integrating both narrative interviews and quantitative survey data allows for a comprehensive understanding of the relationship between individual narratives (qualitative) and broader trends (quantitative). This mixed-methods approach enriches your analysis and supports critical realism by capturing both subjective experiences and objective realities.
5. Objective: Identify Key Housing-Related Issues Affecting Social Mobility in Hong Kong
Method: Desk Research
Rationale: Conducting desk research will help you review existing literature, reports, and statistics on housing issues in Hong Kong. This background research will inform your understanding of the context in which your interviews and surveys are situated.
Conclusion
By aligning your research methods with your objectives, you can ensure a thorough exploration of how housing affordability impacts social mobility in Hong Kong. Each method contributes uniquely to understanding the multifaceted nature of the issue."
My question 6: "Could you tell me which research method is related to which housing-related issue as identified in the proposal?"
The reply from chatgpt: "Certainly! Here’s a breakdown of which research methods correspond to specific housing-related issues identified in your proposal.
Housing-Related Issues and Corresponding Research Methods
1. Housing Affordability
Method: Questionnaire Survey
Rationale: The survey will capture quantitative data on participants’ perceptions of housing affordability, including how much of their income is spent on housing and their overall views on affordability in Hong Kong.
2. Impact on Social Mobility
Method: Narrative Interviews
Rationale: Through narrative interviews, you can explore individual experiences and stories that illustrate how housing affordability directly affects social mobility. Participants can provide personal accounts of how their housing situation has influenced their career opportunities and social advancement.
3. Generational Differences in Housing Experiences
Method: Comparative Analysis Using Interviews
Rationale: By comparing the narratives of Gen X relatives and Gen Y classmates, you can identify generational differences in experiences and perceptions of housing affordability and social mobility, shedding light on how these issues have evolved over time.
4. Policy and Structural Issues
Method: Desk Research
Rationale: Desk research will allow you to review existing literature, policy documents, and statistics related to housing in Hong Kong. This will help identify systemic factors that contribute to housing affordability issues and their impact on social mobility.
5. Personal Experiences with Housing Costs
Method: Narrative Interviews
Rationale: Conducting narrative interviews provides a platform for participants to share their personal stories related to housing costs, including any significant life decisions made due to these financial pressures. This qualitative data will enrich your understanding of the human impact behind the statistics.
Conclusion
By aligning specific research methods with housing-related issues, you can comprehensively address the various dimensions of your study. Each method provides unique insights, helping to build a nuanced understanding of how housing affordability affects social mobility in Hong Kong."
My question 7: "Tks. Could you give some examples of where the sociological imagination thinking has been employed to inform the research method design in this proposal?"
The reply from chatgpt: "Certainly! Here are some examples of how the concept of sociological imagination can inform the research method design in your proposal:
Examples of Sociological Imagination in Research Method Design
1. Contextualizing Individual Experiences
Application: In your narrative interviews, you can encourage participants to reflect on their personal housing experiences within the broader context of Hong Kong’s housing market. For example, you might ask interviewees to discuss how recent economic trends or government policies have influenced their personal situations.
Example Question: "Can you describe how changes in housing policy over the years have impacted your own housing choices?"
2. Linking Personal Troubles to Public Issues
Application: Use the questionnaire survey to gather data on how individuals perceive the relationship between personal housing struggles (e.g., high rent) and larger societal issues (e.g., wealth inequality). This can help illustrate how individual experiences are connected to systemic issues.
Example Question: "To what extent do you believe your difficulties in affording housing reflect broader societal issues in Hong Kong?"
3. Exploring Generational Perspectives
Application: In your comparative analysis of narrative interviews, you can explore how different generations view housing affordability and social mobility. This approach highlights how historical and social contexts shape individual experiences across generations.
Example Insight: Analyze how Gen X participants might relate their experiences of homeownership to economic conditions in their youth compared to Gen Y's current challenges with renting.
4. Investigating Structural Influences
Application: Through desk research, you can examine how structural factors (such as housing policies, economic conditions, and urban planning) have historically influenced housing affordability in Hong Kong. This can inform your understanding of the broader context influencing individual narratives.
Example Focus: Investigate how the 1997 Asian Financial Crisis impacted housing policies and social mobility opportunities for various demographics.
5. Encouraging Critical Reflection
Application: In both narrative interviews and questionnaires, you can prompt participants to critically reflect on their assumptions about housing and social mobility. This fosters a deeper understanding of how societal norms and values shape individual beliefs and behaviors.
Example Question: "How do societal views on success and homeownership affect your aspirations for the future?"
Conclusion
By employing sociological imagination in your research methods, you can create a rich, contextualized understanding of how housing affordability impacts social mobility. This approach not only enhances the depth of your findings but also connects individual experiences to the broader social landscape, aligning well with your critical realism philosophy."
My question 8: "Tks. Could you comment on the strengths and weaknesses of the research methods and the research philosophy employed in this dissertation study?"
The reply from chatgpt: "Certainly! Here’s a breakdown of the strengths and weaknesses of the research methods and philosophy employed in your dissertation study on housing affordability and social mobility in Hong Kong.
Research Methods
1. Narrative Interviews
Strengths:
In-Depth Insights: Allows for rich, qualitative data that captures personal experiences and emotions related to housing.
Contextual Understanding: Participants can provide context about their individual situations, linking personal troubles to broader societal issues.
Flexibility: The semi-structured format allows for adaptability in the conversation, enabling unexpected themes to emerge.
Weaknesses:
Subjectivity: Data may be influenced by participants' biases and perceptions, which can complicate generalizability.
Time-Consuming: Conducting and analyzing interviews can be resource-intensive, requiring significant time for transcription and interpretation.
Limited Sample Size: Typically involves a smaller number of participants, which may not represent the broader population.
2. Questionnaire Survey
Strengths:
Quantitative Data: Provides measurable data that can identify trends and correlations across a larger sample.
Efficiency: Surveys can be distributed widely and completed quickly, allowing for the collection of data from many respondents.
Anonymity: Participants may feel more comfortable sharing opinions on sensitive topics like housing affordability in a survey format.
Weaknesses:
Limited Depth: Surveys may not capture the complexities of individual experiences or the nuances of participant responses.
Response Bias: Participants might provide socially desirable answers rather than their true feelings or experiences.
Fixed Responses: Closed-ended questions can limit the richness of data, potentially missing important insights.
3. Desk Research
Strengths:
Contextual Background: Provides a comprehensive understanding of existing literature and data, informing the research context and framework.
Cost-Effective: Utilizes existing resources, which can save time and money compared to primary data collection.
Foundation for Analysis: Helps identify gaps in the literature that your primary research can address.
Weaknesses:
Outdated Information: Depending on the sources, data may not reflect the most current conditions or policies.
Potential Bias: Existing literature may carry biases that influence your interpretation of the context.
Limited to Available Data: You are constrained by what has been published, which may not cover all relevant aspects of your research theme.
Research Philosophy: Critical Realism
Strengths:
Complexity of Reality: Acknowledges the complexity of social phenomena, allowing for a nuanced understanding of how housing issues affect social mobility.
Connection of Structure and Agency: Recognizes the interplay between individual agency and structural factors, aligning well with your research focus.
Encourages Reflexivity: Promotes critical reflection on the research process, encouraging researchers to consider their own influences on the study.
Weaknesses:
Challenges in Operationalization: Critical realism can be difficult to translate into clear research practices and methods, potentially complicating the research design.
Ambiguity in Data Interpretation: The emphasis on underlying structures can lead to challenges in interpreting qualitative data, as it may require deeper analytical skills.
Limited Consensus: Critical realism is not as widely adopted as other research philosophies, which may lead to challenges in communicating findings to those accustomed to more traditional paradigms.
Conclusion
Overall, your choice of methods and the critical realism philosophy provides a robust framework for exploring the complex relationship between housing affordability and social mobility. Each method has its strengths and weaknesses, which can be balanced to provide a comprehensive understanding of the issue. Being aware of these factors will help you navigate the research process and enhance the validity and reliability of your findings."
*** students may have to group the questions into a smaller number of questions to obtain more coherent responses from chatgpt.
Reference: a collection of blog notes on using chatgpt for research purpose.
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