Data Sources and Documenting Research/Problem Definition

Planning Analysis:
Data Sources and Documenting Research/Problem Definition

Standard Planning Data Sources

Planners commonly rely on a number of data sources for planning-related research. Knowing the "home" of a data source can make your research efforts substantially more efficient. Following is a brief list of typical data sources.

Libraries
Federal agencies
State agencies
Local agencies
Other public and quasi-public bodies
Survey research organizations
Private organizations

While you may have found that list interesting, having a list of resources that are specific to planning in general, and more specifically, in Oregon, would be a lot more useful. You'll find that list, complete with hyperlinks to Websites, where they exist, here.

Assessing Information Needs

Few searches are open-ended—you always have a goal

Assessing your information needs--the goals of your search--helps define the characteristics of the search
The amount and depth of information required determine the sources you should consult--"quick-burst" sources such as almanacs, encyclopedias, dictionaries, etc can provide answers to focused questions

Example: has the incidence of homelessness in the US increased recently

Potential source: Statistical Abstract of the United States

Multilevel searches

Directories, almanacs, etc lead to other information sources
Determine the range of published material that exists: catalogs, indexes, and abstracts (social science index, public affairs information service index, gpo database, etc)
Review bibliographies: bibliographic index
Finding "experts" for background, commentary, and opinion

Focusing on Issues and Outcomes

Setting boundaries for your research topic and associated questions is crucial to your success--the following questions can help focus your search:

What is the true focus of my search?
What are the key issues raised in this focus?
What specific questions might be answered during my search?
What categories of sources would be most helpful in addressing these issues and questions?

The search checklist

If you can satisfactorily answer the following questions, it is a good indication that your have the foundation for an effective search plan. This is by no means an exhaustive list, but its all you need to get started!

1. Have I properly outlined what I want to know?

Does this outline suggest an order of importance for the information I am seeking?

2. What issues are within the boundaries I've created for this search?

Are these issues consistent with the focus I have created?

3. Is it possible at this early stage to identify possible results or outcomes of my search?

Do these outcomes suggest a particular hypothesis or focus?

4. Am I ready to list specific questions that will address the issues I have raised?

Do any of my questions expand the original boundaries of my search?

5. Are my issues and questions clear enough that I can identify appropriate sources?

Will the range of my sources give both breadth and depth to my search?

6. Do I have a plan for finding the information I need?

Have I discovered the basic information and publications outlets for my sources?

From: The Search: Information Gathering for the Mass Media. Lauren Kessler and Duncan McDonald. Wadsworth, 1992.

Keep your strategies flexible!

Evaluating Data Sources

What data were collected?

Original/secondary data

Same/different definition

Multiple/single indicator

Where were the data collected?

Same or comparable/dissimilar locale

Same/different geographic boundaries

Similar/noncomparable program

How were the data collected?

systematically/haphazardly

random sample/non-random sample

Impartial third party/program personnel

Why were the data collected?

Ongoing monitoring/response to a crisis

Response to an internal need/fulfillment of an external requirement

When were the data collected?

After planning/during a crisis

Recently/in the past

Who collected the data?

Trained/untrained personnel

Experienced/inexperienced personnel

High-level/low-level staff

Highly/not highly regarded staff

Organized/unorganized director

Skilled/unskilled communicator

Other questions

how comprehensive is data?

what assumptions were made?

How much will it cost?

Tips for Documenting Research

Remember….Research is Writing

Gather the Best Available Data

Limitations
Relevance (policy implications?)
Timeliness
Cost

Develop a Project Filing System

Keep source materials in an organized manner
Make disk copies of files

Document Phone Interviews

Make outline/script before interview
Take notes during interview
Summarize interview in file
get quotes right

Document Public Meetings

Detail method early as possible
Use observers if necessary
Summarize results quickly
Differentiate groups

Document Library Research

Make copies of source materials
Summarize quickly
Get complete source citation (source, author, date, pages)

Document Projections & Forecasts

Completely document assumptions and calculations

Document Survey Analysis

Describe method early as possible
Recognize significance of "n"

Include Citations in Reports

make complete (title, author, page number, date)
Attach to tables, graphs, quotes, etc

Problem Definition

a. Importance of Defining The Problem

b. Pretty Obvious...can be more difficult than you think

c. Example........student drivers problem (pg 55 P&S)

1. Accident rate

2. Injuries

3. Education

4. Age

d. Challenge is To State problem In a Meaningful & Precise Way

e. Danger of Not Doing This Well....

f. Patton & Sawicki could be interpreted as stating this is a relatively simple and short process

g. In reality…much time is often spent in problem definition

h. Your class project are largely problem definition…you are given an issue, then you must spend some time documenting the problem (or level of need).

i. Think about how you are going about that:

developing a fact base

identifying what we call a policy envelope

involving affected groups

Key point: While issue may be clear, problem (or in this case need) may not be as clear and may have many aspects.