Rma Reviewer
Rma Reviewer
Research Methods - is among major courses in BS Architecture and most challenging subject in the undergraduate level.
3 Chapters:
Chapter 1 – The Problem and Its Background
Chapter 2 – Review of related Literature
Chapter 3 – Research Methodology
Research is a vital tool for scientific advancement because it allows researchers to prove or refute hypotheses based on
clearly defined parameters, environments, and assumptions
- It enables us to confidently contribute to knowledge as it allows research to be verified and replicated.
4. Experimental Design – Experimental research is research conducted with a scientific approach using two
sets of variables. The first set acts as a constant, which you use to measure the differences of the second
set. The research should establish a notable cause and effect. (ex: quantitative research methods)
5. Exploratory Design – research used to investigate a problem which is not clearly defined. It is conducted
to have a better understanding of the existing problem, but will not provide conclusive results. Such
research is usually carried out when the problem is at a preliminary stage.
6. Historical Design – historical research is a qualitative technique. Historical research studies the meaning
of past events in an attempt to interpret the facts and explain the cause of events, and their effect in the
present events.
7. Observational Research – is a way to gather data by watching people, events, or noting physical
characteristics in their natural setting. Observations can be overt (subjects know they are being observed)
or covert (do not know they are being watched)
Sampling Design – sample design is the framework or road map that serves as the basis for the selection of a survey
sample and affects many other important aspects of a survey as well.
Survey researchers are interested in obtaining some types of needed information through a suvrey of some population, of
interest, etc.
When conducting research about a group of people, it is rarely possible to collect data from every person in that group.
Instead, the researcher selects a sample. The sample is the group of individuals who will actually participate in the
research.
3. Stratified Sampling
Involves dividing the population into subpopulations that may differ in important ways. It allows you draw more
precise conclusions by ensuring that evert subgroup is properly represented in the sample.
To use this sampling method, you divide the population into subgroups (called strata) based on the relevant
characteristic (e.g. gender, age range, income bracket, job role).
4. Cluster Sampling
Involves dividing the population into subgroups, but each subgroup should have similar characteristics to the
whole sample. Instead of sampling individuals from each subgroup, you randomly select entire subgroups.
Non- Probability Sampling Methods
In a non-probability sample, individuals are selected based on non-random criteria, and not every individual has a chance
of being included.
1. Convenience Sampling
A convenience sample simply includes the individuals who happen to be most accessible to the researcher.
2. Voluntary Response Sampling
Mainly based on ease of access. Instead of the researcher choosing participants and directly contacting them,
people volunteer themselves. (e.g. by responding to a public online survey).
3. Purposive Sampling
This type of sampling, also known as judgement sampling, involves the researcher using their expertise to select a
sample that is most useful to the purposes of the research.
4. Snowball Sampling
If the population is hard to access, snowball sampling can be used to recruit participants via other participants.
The number of people you have access to “snowballs” as you get in contact with more people.
Basic Statistics
Statistics play a vital role in researches. Statistics can used as in data collection, analysis, interpretation, explanation and
presentation.
Use of statistics will guide researchers in research for proper characterization, summarization, presentation and
interpretation of the result of research.