Asking perplexity to perform a preliminary simple literature review on a research task: for Housing Studies students

Asking perplexity.ai to perform a preliminary simple literature review on a research task: for Housing Studies students

My question: "I am a part-time Housing Studies student, currently learning the subject of Research Project. With regard to my research task of "to evaluate the quality of residential life of the elderly residents in the public housing estate of Tsuen Wan, Hong Kong in 2025", please recommend 4 academic theories that are useful to study this task, offer a few justifications why they are useful. In addition, please provide 2 references for each of the 4 academic theories mentioned in Harvard reference format."

The reply: "Based on recent academic literature and relevant findings related to evaluating the quality of residential life for elderly residents in public housing estates, especially in contexts like Hong Kong, here are four recommended academic theories useful for your research task:

1. Environmental Press Theory

   • Justification: This theory posits that there is an optimal fit between the individual's competence and the environmental demands (press) for wellbeing. It is highly applicable to public housing settings where design factors such as space planning, accessibility, noise, and indoor environmental quality affect elderly residents' quality of life. It helps explain how modifications in the physical environment can improve or impair residential satisfaction and wellbeing.

2. Quality of Life (QOL) Theory

   • Justification: This broad theoretical framework assesses subjective and objective factors impacting overall life satisfaction and well-being, including health, social relationships, and environmental factors. It is central to evaluating the elderly's residential life quality by linking housing conditions, social support, and personal well-being.

3. Housing Satisfaction Theory

   • Justification: Housing satisfaction is a key component of residential quality of life, focusing on residents' subjective evaluations of their housing conditions. For elderly residents, housing satisfaction correlates strongly with physical housing quality, community environment, and social connections, making this theory valuable for targeted evaluations in public housing estates.

4. Aging in Place Theory

   • Justification: This theory emphasizes enabling elderly individuals to remain in their own homes and communities as they age, supported by suitable housing design, social services, and community integration. It connects well to public housing policies and the provision of elder-friendly facilities that promote independence and quality residential life.

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References for Each Theory (Harvard Format)

Environmental Press Theory:

• Lawton, M.P. and Nahemow, L., 1973. Ecology and the aging process. In The psychology of adult development and aging (pp. 619-674). American Psychological Association.

• Gitlin, L.N., 2003. Conducting research on home environments: lessons learned and new directions. The Gerontologist, 43(5), pp.628-637.

Quality of Life (QOL) Theory:

• Schalock, R.L., 2004. The concept of quality of life: what we know and do not know. Journal of Intellectual Disability Research, 48(3), pp.203-216.

• Chiu, R.L., Wong, W.S. and Lee, S.M., 2002. The quality of urban housing in Hong Kong. Housing Studies, 17(5), pp.695-708.

Housing Satisfaction Theory:

• Elsinga, M. and Hoekstra, J., 2005. Homeownership and housing satisfaction. Journal of Housing and the Built Environment, 20(4), pp.401-424.

• Yau, Y., 2010. Sense of community and homeowner participation in housing management. Urbani Izziv, 21(1), pp.133-143.

Aging in Place Theory:

• Wiles, J.L., Leibing, A., Guberman, N., Reeve, J. and Allen, R.E., 2012. The meaning of “aging in place” to older people. The Gerontologist, 52(3), pp.357-366.

• Lee, S.W. and Leung, A.Y.M., 2024. Aging in Place in Hong Kong and Its Implications for Long-Term Care Policy. Sustainability, 16(3447), pp.1-18.

These theories provide a robust conceptual foundation to evaluate the multifaceted quality of residential life experienced by elderly residents in Tsuen Wan's public housing in 2025, covering environmental, social, individual, and policy dimensions."

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