Environmental research methods 2404-P-4-PPSS-MBS

Three blocks:
I. Introductory classes:

(1) Overview of methods. What is characteristic of the methodology of environmental research (eclecticism; qualitative as well as quantitative; interdisciplinarity; strongly applied nature). Etic and emic approaches in environmental research. Course characteristics. Requirements.

(2) Environmental research: objectives and specifics. A brief overview of research methods. How to choose methods for environmental problems? Division of students into research groups of 3-4 people - task: selecting an environmental problem.
(3) Analysis of problems selected by students. Formulating research questions.

I. Presentation of specific research techniques

(1) . Observational methods. How to conduct observations in the field. Observation sheets.
(2) . Analysis of traces left behind. Types of traces. Recording tracks.
(3) . Cognitive maps of the environment. Evaluation and sketch maps.
(4) . Interviews and other questionnaire methods. Analysis of existing tools. Q-sort method. Attitude scales. Semantic differential.
(5) . Photo-story, transect walks.
(6). Investigating preferences. Decision-making methods (trade-off and environmental games)
(7). Archival data (thematic internet forums, discussion groups), data from the city and cooperative websites (what is and what is missing)
(8) . Simulation methods. Photos, videos, VR videos. Advantages and disadvantages of simulation
(9) . Focused interviews.
(10). Action research. Environmental interventions
(11) . POE – Post-occupancy evaluation

Block III. Preparing projects and presenting in classes.

(1-4) Field work. Preparing projects. Presentation of results collected as part of group work

Total student workload

- hours carried out with the participation of the teacher – 30 h/ 1 ECTS point - reading literature - 20 hours - implementation of research projects in the field – 50 hours - queries – analysis of existing data – 20 hours - preparing reports in groups and the final collective expertise for a potential client - 30 hours. Total: 150 hours, 5 ECTS points

Learning outcomes - knowledge

Directional effects: K_W01, K_W04, K_W05, K_W09, K_W26, Course-specific effects: W1: Has knowledge of basic research tools in environmental psychology W2: Is familiar with the specificity of various methodological approaches in the social sciences

Learning outcomes - skills

Directional effects: K_U03, K_U04, K_U11, K_U17, Course-specific effects: Knows and is able to apply in practice basic research methods in a given field, is able to present their results and use them to solve an environmental problem U1: Is able to apply known methods of environmental psychology to analyze a selected environmental problem U2 – Is able to integrate data from various methods and present a coherent diagnosis of an environmental problem U3 - has the ability to propose solutions to a research problem taking into account various research perspectives, is able to function in interdisciplinary research teams

Learning outcomes - social competencies

Directional effects: K_K07, K_K12 Course_specific effects: K1: Has the ability to communicate the results of his/her research to diverse professional groups (e.g. local government officials, architects and urban planners, social activists, representatives of research fields other than psychology)

Teaching methods

Expository teaching methods (demonstration, presentation) Activating methods - field work Activating methods - independent analysis of results and project preparation Activating methods - group work Activating methods - project presentation

Observation/demonstration teaching methods

- simulation (simulation games)
- display

Expository teaching methods

- participatory lecture

Exploratory teaching methods

- field measurement
- case study
- observation
- practical
- situational

Online teaching methods

- evaluative methods
- content-presentation-oriented methods
- games and simulations
- exchange and discussion methods

Type of course

specific course (attribute withdrawn)

Prerequisites

Methods of environmental research. Course obligatory for students of the specialization in Practical Social and Environmental Psychology

Course coordinators

Term 2024/25L:

Term 2023/24L:

Term 2022/23L:

Term 2025/26L:

Assessment criteria

Preparing a project in groups: analysis of the use of urban space along with proposals for environmental changes
1. Evaluation of the research project prepared in the group along with a description of the data collection procedure - 65%
2. Public presentation of the project (25%)

Practical placement

none

Bibliography

. Lewicka, M., Bańka, A. (2008). Psychologia środowiskowa. W: J. Strelau & D. Doliński (red.). Psychologia: Podręcznik akademicki, tom II. Gdańskie Wydawnictwo Psychologiczne
2. Bechtel, R. B., Marans, R.W., Michelson, W. (red.) (1987). Methods in environmental and behavioral research. Van Nostrand.
3. Gehl, J. & Svarre, B. (2013). How to study public life. Island Press
4. Gifford, R. (red.) (2016). Research methods for environmental psychology (wybrane rozdziały). Wiley Blackwell
5. Zeisel, J. (2006). Inquiry by design. Environment/behavior/neuroscience in architecture, interiors, landscape and planning. W.W. Norton & Company

Additional information

Additional information (registration calendar, class conductors, localization and schedules of classes), might be available in the USOSweb system:

Description of 2404-P-4-PPSS-MBS in USOSweb