Prof. Scott Campbell

University of Michigan
College of Architecture and Urban Planning

UP504 • Common Terms and Concepts used in Urban Planning Methods

last updated:  Tuesday, January 9, 2007

 

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Common Terms and Concepts used in Urban Planning Methods (Partial List)

aggregation vs. disaggregation

ANOVA

asymptote

basic vs. applied research

basic/non-basic employment

beta weights

bias

binomial distribution

bivariate

calibration and prediction

case study research

causation

census

Central Limit Theorem

chi-square

cluster analysis

clustered vs. stratified sampling

coefficient and constant of regression

cohort data

cohort survival method

compound growth

concept vs. measure

confidence interval

constant vs. current dollars

control variable

correlation

correlation coefficients

cost-benefit analysis (including giving value to non-priced items; e.g., cultural and environmental resources)

critical path and slack time

critical region

cross-tabulations

descriptive vs. inferential statistics

dichotomous variables

difference of means test

difference of proportions test

discount rate and interest rate

dummy variable

ecological fallacy

economic base multiplier 

empirical

employment impact estimation

establishment vs. household

establishment vs. industry

experimental method

explanatory variable

exploratory research

extrapolation

F-score

factor

factor analysis

falsification

forecasting

generalization (statistical vs. analytical)

gravity models

Heisenberg Principle

homoscedasticity vs. heteroscedasticity

hypothesis (null hypothesis and research hypothesis)

hypothesis testing

indicator

inductive vs. deductive

industry vs. occupation

inferential statistics

input-output analysis

intermediate vs. final demand

interpolation

level of measurement (nominal, ordinal, interval variables)

life tables

"linear" and non-linear relationships

linear vs. exponential model

location quotients

logistic curve

logistic model

logs and exponents

longitudinal vs. cross-sectional data

matrix

mean, median, mode

measurement error

measures of association

method vs. methodology

migration (direct and indirect measures)

multicollinearity

multiplier

multivariate

mutually exclusive and exhaustive categories

necessary vs. sufficient

net present value (NPV)

normal curve

normative (vs. positive) statements

null hypothesis

outlier

panel data

paradigm

parameter

parametric vs. non-parametric

partial correlation

path analysis

population

prediction

primary vs. secondary data

probability

program evaluation

qualitative research

quasi-experimental

questionnaire design (open- vs. closed-ended)

R-square

random sampling

random vs. systematic error

regression analysis (bivariate and multiple)

regression coefficients

reliability

replication

risk assessment (risk vs. uncertainty)

sample size

sampling

sampling distribution

sampling frame vs. sample

scatterplot/scattergram

scientific method

shift-share analysis

SIC codes

simple random sampling

simulation modeling

spurious vs. intervening relationships

standard deviation

standard error

standard score

statistical significance

strength of the relationship

structure vs. agency

symmetrical vs. asymmetrical relationship between variables

systematic random sampling

t vs. z distribution

t-score

test of significance

trend analysis

U.S. Census geography

unit of analysis

univariate

validity

variable

variance

variation