The Process of Urban Development in Melbourne, 1970

This study aimed to increase understanding of the way in which people view their residential environment. With this purpose, the researchers hoped to produce a quantitative measure of environmental quality. An additive model of evaluation was assumed so that responses were sought on levels of satisfaction with a range of environmental factors, overall satisfaction being viewed as a composite of evaluations of individual aspects. The research topic of environmental quality was divided into four main areas: the dwelling, the convenience of the location in relation to other facilities, the local environment and the social environment. Questions about the dwelling covered its condition, age and value, whether owned, being bought, or rented, type of fuel used, rate and mortgage payments and details of previous dwelling. Other questions dealt with aspects of environmental quality and convenience and included ratings and rankings of aspects such as schools, shops, neighbours, noise levels and advantages for specific groups such as housewives and the aged. Background variables include age, sex, marital status, level of schooling, employment status, occupation, employment sector, mode of travel to work, duration of travel to work and work location.