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Rethinking measurement of neighborhood in the context of health research

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  • Schaefer-McDaniel, Nicole
  • Dunn, James R.
  • Minian, Nadia
  • Katz, Danielle

Abstract

Systematic social observations have been gaining increasing recognition in neighborhood and health research as a way of measuring neighborhood attributes hypothesized to affect residents' well-being. Despite the growing popularity of this methodology, there has not been a critical discussion of potential shortcomings of this approach. This paper reviews some of the challenges and limitations in the systematic social observations methodology. We especially differentiate between limitations related to the methodology itself and challenges the approach presents for researchers in the field. We conclude by offering directions for future research utilizing this technique.

Suggested Citation

  • Schaefer-McDaniel, Nicole & Dunn, James R. & Minian, Nadia & Katz, Danielle, 2010. "Rethinking measurement of neighborhood in the context of health research," Social Science & Medicine, Elsevier, vol. 71(4), pages 651-656, August.
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:socmed:v:71:y:2010:i:4:p:651-656
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Mahmood, Atiya & Chaudhury, Habib & Michael, Yvonne L. & Campo, Michael & Hay, Kara & Sarte, Ann, 2012. "A photovoice documentation of the role of neighborhood physical and social environments in older adults’ physical activity in two metropolitan areas in North America," Social Science & Medicine, Elsevier, vol. 74(8), pages 1180-1192.
    2. Danan Gu & Haiyan Zhu & Ming Wen, 2015. "Neighborhood-health links: Differences between rural-to-urban migrants and natives in Shanghai," Demographic Research, Max Planck Institute for Demographic Research, Rostock, Germany, vol. 33(17), pages 499-524.
    3. Neutens, Tijs, 2015. "Accessibility, equity and health care: review and research directions for transport geographers," Journal of Transport Geography, Elsevier, vol. 43(C), pages 14-27.

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