A brief note on field research in Housing Studies

A brief note on field research in Housing Studies (information from perplexity.ai)

My question 1: "Highlight 8 main ideas of field research in the context of housing studies."

The reply: "Eight main ideas of field research in the context of housing studies are:

1. Real-life Settings: Field research studies housing issues in the actual environments where they occur, such as neighborhoods or communities, to capture contextual and lived experiences.​

2. Empirical Data Collection: It emphasizes gathering observable and participant data through methods like surveys, interviews, and observations to understand housing phenomena directly from residents and stakeholders.​

3. Mixed Methods Approach: Combining qualitative and quantitative methods enables richer, more nuanced data interpretation and captures diverse housing realities.​

4. Complexity and Diversity: Field research acknowledges housing as a complex, heterogeneous issue shaped by cultural, social, political, and economic factors, requiring contextualized analysis.​

5. Link to Housing Theory: Research methods should be grounded in housing theory to better interpret empirical data and inform policy-making effectively.​

6. Policy Relevance: Findings from field research aim to guide social and economic housing policy, addressing issues such as affordability, homelessness, and housing sector transformation.​

7. Inclusion and Equity: Research focuses on understanding housing challenges faced by distinct populations—seniors, youth, Indigenous groups, and marginalized communities—to promote equity.​

8. Interdisciplinary Nature: Housing field research draws on social sciences and related disciplines to address interconnected housing problems with holistic perspectives.​

These ideas reflect how field research in housing studies integrates empirical observation, theory, policy impact, and social inclusion within diverse real-world settings to inform effective housing solutions."

My question 2: "Suggest 2 main field research methodologies, notably in Housing Studies, and briefly highlight the main phases of these methodologies."

The reply: "Two main field research methodologies commonly used in housing studies are:

1. Conventional Field Research (Survey and Observation-Based)

   • Main Phases:

     • Literature Review: Understanding the theoretical background and framing research questions.

     • Field Data Collection: Using surveys, participant interviews, and observations on-site to gather empirical data from occupants and housing environments.

     • Data Analysis: Analyzing the collected data quantitatively and/or qualitatively to identify housing patterns, issues, and resident experiences.

     • Conclusions and Reporting: Drawing conclusions relevant to housing theory and policy based on the analyzed data.
       This method emphasizes empirical data collection in real-life housing contexts and aligns with positivist and constructionist research philosophies.​

2. Design-Based Research Methodology

   • Main Phases:

     • Literature Review and Expert Interviews: Gathering initial insights from professionals and existing research.

     • Mixed-Method Data Collection: Combining methods such as surveys and participatory design games to capture residents' housing preferences and perceptions.

     • Iterative Design and Feedback: Using tools like design games to co-create and refine housing solutions in collaboration with participants.

     • Analysis and Application: Assessing findings for practical use in housing design and planning.
       This method integrates design practice and research, focusing on residents' preferences and decision-making to inform housing development.​

Both methodologies have structured phases from preparatory literature work, through data collection tailored to the research goals, to analysis and practical application, providing comprehensive approaches to understanding housing issues empirically and innovatively."

** A video on field research.

A collection of blog notes on using chatgpt for research purpose.