Research Methods for People and Environment Studies
How can we study how people react to the outdoor environments that surround them? It may concern single persons reflecting on favourite restorative places or large groups of people completing enquiries on the qualities of urban parks, etc. This course aims at presenting various techniques and methods that are used in such studies. It attempts to go through all steps from critical compilation of relevant scientific literature, design and planning of studies, selection, evaluation and application of methods, and scientific writing of a full-scale article. It also involves ethics and philosophy of science.
The course consists of four main blocks including a number of compulsory online elements see information below from course leader.
Information from the course leader
Dear all,
On the 20th of January 2025 between 11:00 and 11:30 the mandatory roll call for the course MP0003 will take place on Canvas.
We kindly ask admitted students to be part of this roll call if you want to join the course and therefore be registered.
The roll-call will take place on the course Canvas page, and to log into this page you need a SLU student account, see Checklist for international programme students and students taking freestanding courses | Studentwebben.
Link as well as password for meeting will be available at the Canvas page.
Dates for obligatory online meetings Spring semester 2025
January 20 Roll-call 11:00-11:30
January 27 - 29
February 26 - 28
April 7 - 9
May 19- 21
Policy document -to be read and followed by all admitted students
Course evaluation
The course evaluation is not yet activated
The course evaluation is open between 2025-06-01 and 2025-06-22
Additional course evaluations for MP0003
Academic year 2023/2024
Research Methods for People and Environment Studies (MP0003-30176)
2024-01-15 - 2024-06-02
Academic year 2022/2023
Research Methods for People and Environment Studies (MP0003-30013)
2023-01-16 - 2023-06-04
Academic year 2021/2022
Research Methods for People and Environment Studies (MP0003-30238)
2022-01-17 - 2022-06-05
Academic year 2020/2021
Research Methods for People and Environment Studies (MP0003-30169)
2021-01-18 - 2021-06-06
Syllabus and other information
Syllabus
MP0003 Research Methods for People and Environment Studies, 15.0 Credits
Forskningsmetoder i studier av människa och miljöSubjects
Environmental Psychology Landscape ArchitectureEducation cycle
Master’s levelModules
| Title | Credits | Code |
|---|---|---|
| Qualitative inquiry | 7.5 | 0102 |
| Quantitative inquiry | 7.5 | 0103 |
Advanced study in the main field
Second cycle, has only first-cycle course/s as entry requirementsMaster’s level (A1N)
Grading scale
The grade requirements within the course grading system are set out in specific criteria. These criteria must be available by the course start at the latest.
Language
EnglishPrior knowledge
Knowledge equivalent to 120 credits and English 6Objectives
The course aims to give an overview over current research methods and techniques that are used to investigate the interactions between people and environment. The course serves as an introduction to the methods of Master- and PhD-studies in the field.
After completion of the course, the student will be able to:
• report on the various techniques and methods that are used in people and environment studies
• identify possible research questions and/or hypotheses concerning the interaction between people and environment
• exemplify, describe, and motivate the choice of method for specific research questions in the area
• design qualitative and quantitative studies
• select and conduct basic qualitative and statistical analyses
• write a scientific report, including references and critical analysis of sources and literature
• identify and explain ethical issues in research studies.
Content
Based on theory and research on people and environment interactions various study approaches to specific research questions will be presented. Principles for defining research questions and suggestions for the design of investigation will be outlined, demonstrated and discussed. This will provide the foundations for explaining how different methods provide different types of knowledge. Alternatives in designing studies will be demonstrated and practiced. The strategies presented belong to a broad field of people–environment studies including methods typical for experiments in lab, surveys as well as fieldwork with participant observation. Scientific writing will be practiced, including management of literature references and source criticism, resulting in a number of short papers where different methods are tested, and a final complete scientific paper. Compulsory seminars where the different methods are discussed are also included. Examples of ethical issues that may arise in studies including human beings will be illustrated and discussed.
The course combines mandatory online meetings with tasks carried out independently.
Grading form
The grade requirements within the course grading system are set out in specific criteria. These criteria must be available by the course start at the latest.Formats and requirements for examination
Participation in compulsory elements. Approved participation in seminars. Successful completion of exercises. Passed scientific paper.
If a student has failed an examination, the examiner has the right to issue supplementary assignments. This applies if it is possible and there are grounds to do so.
The examiner can provide an adapted assessment to students entitled to study support for students with disabilities following a decision by the university. Examiners may also issue an adapted examination or provide an alternative way for the students to take the exam.
If this syllabus is withdrawn, SLU may introduce transitional provisions for examining students admitted based on this syllabus and who have not yet passed the course.
For the assessment of an independent project (degree project), the examiner may also allow a student to add supplemental information after the deadline for submission. Read more in the Education Planning and Administration Handbook.
Other information
The right to participate in teaching and/or supervision only applies for the course instance the student was admitted to and registered on.
If there are special reasons, students are entitled to participate in components with compulsory attendance when the course is given again. Read more in the Education Planning and Administration Handbook.
Additional information
The course is given as a distance course, with mandatory online meetings, at 50% speed.Responsible department
Department of People and Society