Participant-Observation and the Development of Urban Neighborhood Policy

Robert K. Yin

ResearchPublished 1972

As a result of the urban riots, residential change, and continued problems in the delivery of municipal services, urban neighborhoods have become of increasing concern to the municipal policymaker. Yet the policymaker often has too little information at his disposal for making intelligent choices, especially in distinguishing among the needs of different neighborhoods. The present study examines the modifications needed and the problems encountered in applying a traditional social science method, participant-observation, to the study of urban neighborhoods. Such use of participant-observation can serve as a valuable resource, and provide both qualitative and quantitative information about the neighborhood.

Document Details

  • Copyright: RAND Corporation
  • Availability: Web Only
  • Year: 1972
  • Pages: 45
  • Document Number: R-962

Citation

Chicago Manual of Style

Yin, Robert K., Participant-Observation and the Development of Urban Neighborhood Policy. Santa Monica, CA: RAND Corporation, 1972. https://www.rand.org/pubs/reports/R0962.html.
BibTeX RIS

This publication is part of the RAND report series. The report series, a product of RAND from 1948 to 1993, represented the principal publication documenting and transmitting RAND's major research findings and final research.

This document and trademark(s) contained herein are protected by law. This representation of RAND intellectual property is provided for noncommercial use only. Unauthorized posting of this publication online is prohibited; linking directly to this product page is encouraged. Permission is required from RAND to reproduce, or reuse in another form, any of its research documents for commercial purposes. For information on reprint and reuse permissions, please visit www.rand.org/pubs/permissions.

RAND is a nonprofit institution that helps improve policy and decisionmaking through research and analysis. RAND's publications do not necessarily reflect the opinions of its research clients and sponsors.