Asking chatgpt to clarify pragmatism for dissertation project study: a note for Housing Studies students.

Asking chatgpt to clarify pragmatism for dissertation project study: a note for Housing Studies students.

Below is my dialogue with the assistant bot (accessed via poe.com) about the research philosophy of pragmatism.

Introduction

I am a part-time Housing Studies student, currently preparing my Undergraduate Degree dissertation project proposal. My research theme is; "how the Hong Kong housing policy can address more effectively the issues related to housing affordability in 2024. For my research design, I would like to link it to the pragmatism. However, I am not familiar with pragmatism. 

Finding 1

My first question: "Would you do me a favour by introducing the underlying ideas of pragmatism?"

The reply from the assistant bot: "Certainly, I'd be happy to provide an introduction to the underlying ideas of pragmatism, which can be a useful philosophical approach for your research on housing affordability in Hong Kong.

Pragmatism is a philosophical tradition that emphasizes the practical consequences of ideas and actions as the primary criterion for their evaluation. The key ideas of pragmatism include:

Focus on practical consequences:

Pragmatists believe that the truth or value of an idea or belief should be judged by its practical consequences, rather than by its correspondence to some absolute or abstract standard.

The focus is on how well an idea or belief works in practice to address real-world problems and issues.

Rejection of rigid dogmas:

Pragmatists are skeptical of rigid, universal, and fixed principles or doctrines.

They believe that knowledge and beliefs should be flexible, constantly evolving, and subject to revision based on new experiences and evidence.

Emphasis on inquiry and experimentation:

Pragmatists view knowledge as a process of active inquiry and experimentation, rather than as a static set of facts or truths.

They believe that knowledge is provisional and should be tested and revised through empirical observation and practical application.

Contextual approach:

Pragmatists recognize that ideas and actions are always situated within a specific context, and that their meaning and value are shaped by that context.

They argue that one should consider the particular circumstances and practical needs of a situation when evaluating the merits of a belief or course of action.

Pluralism and fallibilism:

Pragmatists embrace pluralism, acknowledging that there may be multiple valid approaches or perspectives on a given issue.

They also recognize the fallibility of human knowledge, acknowledging that our beliefs and understandings are always subject to revision and improvement.

In the context of your research on housing affordability in Hong Kong, a pragmatist approach would involve critically examining the practical consequences of different housing policies and strategies, considering the specific context and needs of the Hong Kong housing market, and being open to revising your understanding and recommendations based on empirical evidence and ongoing experimentation.

This pragmatist perspective can help you maintain a flexible and adaptable approach to your research, focusing on the real-world impacts and practical implications of the housing policies you analyze.

Let me know if you have any other questions about pragmatism or how it might be applied to your research project. I'm happy to provide further clarification or suggestions."

Finding 2

My second question is: "What are the ontological, epistemological and axiological stances of pragmatism?"

The reply from the assistant bot is: "Great follow-up question. Let me outline the key ontological, epistemological, and axiological stances of pragmatism:

Ontological stance:

Pragmatists tend to reject rigid or absolute ontological stances, such as metaphysical realism or idealism.

Instead, they adopt a more flexible, pluralistic ontology that sees reality as actively constructed through our interactions and experiences with the world.

Pragmatists focus on the practical consequences and usefulness of our beliefs about reality, rather than making strong claims about the nature of reality itself.

Epistemological stance:

Pragmatists are anti-foundationalist and reject the idea of absolute, a priori knowledge.

They see knowledge as provisional, fallible, and constantly evolving through a process of inquiry and experimentation.

Knowledge is not viewed as a direct representation of an external reality, but rather as a tool for navigating and solving practical problems.

Pragmatists emphasize the importance of empirical observation, contextual understanding, and the testing of ideas through their consequences.

Axiological stance:

Pragmatists are primarily concerned with the practical, instrumental value of beliefs and actions.

They evaluate the worth or goodness of ideas, beliefs, and actions based on their ability to effectively address real-world problems and improve human experience.

Pragmatists tend to be pluralistic in their values, acknowledging that there may be multiple valid approaches or perspectives on a given issue.

The ultimate criterion for pragmatists is whether a belief or action leads to positive, constructive consequences that enhance human flourishing.

In the context of your research on housing affordability in Hong Kong, a pragmatist approach would:

Focus on the practical impacts and usefulness of different housing policies, rather than making strong ontological claims.

Emphasize the importance of empirical investigation, contextual understanding, and the testing of policy ideas through their real-world consequences.

Evaluate the merits of housing policies based on their ability to effectively address the issue of housing affordability and improve the lived experiences of Hong Kong residents.

I hope this overview of the ontological, epistemological, and axiological stances of pragmatism is helpful for framing your research approach. Let me know if you have any other questions!"

Finding 3

My third query is: "For doing my dissertation project, I intend to employ in-depth interview research, focus group and desk research linked to pragmatism. In this case, what would the research design look like for such a dissertation project?"

The reply from the assistant bot: "Excellent, employing in-depth interviews, focus groups, and desk research within a pragmatist framework is a well-suited research design for your dissertation project on housing affordability in Hong Kong. Here's what the research design could look like:

Desk Research:

Conduct a thorough review of academic literature, policy documents, and statistical data related to housing affordability in Hong Kong.

Identify key themes, trends, and gaps in the existing knowledge about the issue.

Develop a deeper understanding of the historical context, current housing policies, and socio-economic factors shaping housing affordability in Hong Kong.

In-depth Interviews:

Identify and recruit a diverse range of stakeholders, including:

Policymakers and government officials involved in housing policy

Housing developers and real estate professionals

Housing and urban planning experts

Residents and community organizations affected by housing affordability issues

Conduct semi-structured interviews to gather in-depth perspectives, experiences, and insights on the challenges and potential solutions related to housing affordability.

Focus the interviews on understanding the practical consequences and real-world impacts of current housing policies and exploring alternative approaches.

Allow for flexibility in the interview process to explore emergent themes and follow up on unexpected insights.

Focus Groups:

Organize focus group discussions with different stakeholder groups (e.g., low-income residents, young families, elderly population) to gain a deeper understanding of their lived experiences and perspectives on housing affordability.

Use the focus group discussions to explore the contextual factors, varied needs, and potential solutions from the diverse viewpoints of Hong Kong residents.

Encourage open-ended dialogue and collaborative problem-solving within the focus groups to generate new ideas and practical recommendations.

Data Analysis and Interpretation:

Analyze the data collected from the desk research, interviews, and focus groups using a pragmatist approach.

Identify and synthesize the key themes, patterns, and practical implications emerging from the data.

Evaluate the effectiveness and consequences of current housing policies and explore alternative policy options through the lens of their potential to address the issue of housing affordability in Hong Kong.

Develop practical, contextually-relevant recommendations and strategies that can be implemented to improve housing affordability, based on the findings from the research.

Iterative and Flexible Approach:

Maintain a pragmatist mindset throughout the research process, being open to revising your understanding and approaches based on new evidence and insights.

Embrace a flexible and iterative research design, allowing for adjustments and refinements as you progress through the study.

Continuously assess the practical utility and real-world implications of your research findings and recommendations.

By adopting this pragmatist-informed research design, you can effectively explore the complex issue of housing affordability in Hong Kong, drawing on a variety of data sources and stakeholder perspectives to develop practical, context-specific solutions.

Let me know if you have any other questions or need further clarification on the research design."

Finding 4

My fourth question is: "What specific themes should I focus on during the desk research phase?"

The reply from the assistant bot is: "Great question. Given the pragmatist approach you're taking, here are some key themes I would suggest focusing on during the desk research phase of your dissertation project on housing affordability in Hong Kong:

Historical context and policy evolution:

Trace the historical development of housing policies and programs in Hong Kong, including key milestones, shifts in priorities, and the rationale behind them.

Understand the socio-economic and political factors that have shaped housing policies over time.

Examine how past policies and interventions have impacted housing affordability.

Demographic and socio-economic trends:

Analyze demographic changes, such as population growth, aging population, household composition, and patterns of migration.

Understand the distribution of income, wealth, and housing costs across different socio-economic groups.

Identify vulnerable populations disproportionately affected by housing affordability issues.

Land use and urban planning:

Examine land use policies, zoning regulations, and development patterns in Hong Kong.

Understand the role of land supply, housing production, and urban renewal initiatives in shaping housing affordability.

Explore the impact of land speculation and real estate market dynamics on housing costs.

Existing housing policies and programs:

Critically review the current suite of housing policies, such as public housing provision, subsidies, and home ownership schemes.

Assess the effectiveness of these policies in addressing the needs of different socio-economic groups.

Identify gaps, unintended consequences, and areas for improvement.

Stakeholder perspectives and experiences:

Explore existing research and literature that capture the perspectives and lived experiences of various stakeholders, such as:

Residents struggling with housing affordability

Housing developers and real estate professionals

Policymakers and government officials

Housing and urban planning experts

Understand the diverse needs, challenges, and proposed solutions from these different stakeholder groups.

International comparisons and best practices:

Examine how other cities or countries have addressed housing affordability challenges.

Identify successful policies, programs, or innovative approaches that could inform potential solutions for Hong Kong.

Critically assess the contextual factors and feasibility of transferring these best practices to the Hong Kong context.

By focusing on these themes during the desk research phase, you can develop a comprehensive understanding of the historical, demographic, policy, and stakeholder-related factors that have shaped housing affordability in Hong Kong. This knowledge will then inform the design and execution of your in-depth interviews and focus groups, allowing you to explore the practical implications and potential solutions more effectively."

Finding 5

My fifth question is: "What specific data sources should I consider for each of these themes?"

The reply from the assistant bot is: "Great question. Here are some key data sources I would recommend exploring for each of the thematic areas in your desk research:

Historical context and policy evolution:

Government publications and policy documents on housing and urban development

Academic journals and books on the history of housing policies in Hong Kong

Reports and analyses from think tanks, research institutions, and advocacy organizations

Demographic and socio-economic trends:

Census and population data from the Hong Kong Census and Statistics Department

Household income and expenditure surveys

Reports and data from the Hong Kong Monetary Authority on household wealth and real estate market

Academic studies and policy papers analyzing demographic and socio-economic changes

Land use and urban planning:

Urban planning and land use policies from the Planning Department and Lands Department

Reports and data from the Rating and Valuation Department on property prices and rents

Academic journals and books on urban development, land use, and real estate market dynamics in Hong Kong

Existing housing policies and programs:

Government websites and publications from the Housing Department, Transport and Housing Bureau, and other relevant agencies

Reports and evaluations from the Hong Kong Housing Authority and Hong Kong Housing Society

Academic and policy research on the effectiveness of housing policies and programs

Stakeholder perspectives and experiences:

Qualitative studies, reports, and publications from NGOs, community organizations, and advocacy groups

Academic journals and books featuring research on the lived experiences of Hong Kong residents

Media articles and opinion pieces reflecting diverse stakeholder perspectives

International comparisons and best practices:

Reports and case studies from international organizations like the OECD, World Bank, and UN-Habitat

Academic journals and books on housing policies and solutions in other major cities

Comparative analyses and policy briefs from think tanks and research institutions

Additionally, consider accessing online databases and statistical repositories, such as:

Census and Statistics Department of Hong Kong

Hong Kong Monetary Authority data

Academic journal databases (e.g., Scopus, Web of Science, Google Scholar)

Government and institutional repositories (e.g., Hong Kong Government Publications Library)

By drawing from this diverse range of data sources, you can build a comprehensive understanding of the key themes and develop a robust foundation for your in-depth interviews and focus group discussions.

Let me know if you have any other questions!"

Some overall evaluation comments

The advices from the assistant bot are useful and concrete.

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