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ARCH 537: Research Methods for Architecture

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

Design 9 – Thesis Research Writing


Design 10 – Thesis Research Application

According to Discover PhD’s:


Research – using established methods to investigate a problem or question in detail to generate new knowledge
(DiscoverPhDs)

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.

According to Creswell, 2012:


Research is a process and steps used to collect and analyze information to increase our understanding of the topic or issue

According to Frankael and Wallen, 2008:


Research is an orderly, careful, and patient study and investigation of a subject matter for the purpose of adding to the
body of knowledge

According to McMillan, 2012:


Research involves a systematic process of gathering, interpreting and reporting information.

According to VPCodia, 2021:


Research for architecture is a systematic investigation of phenomena in the build environment which includes the
collection, presentation, analysis and interpretation of data or facts that link man’s speculation of reality.
METHODOLOGIES
 Research Design
- Refers to the overall strategy chosen to integrate the different components of the study in a coherent and logical
way, thereby ensuring to effectively address the research problem; it constitutes the collection, measurement and
analysis of the data.
- Before beginning research paper, the researcher needs to decide how to design the research study.
Types of Research Design
1. Action Research Design – is a method of systematic enquiry that teachers undertake as researchers of
their own practice. You will draw on the findings of other researchers to help develop actions and
interpret the consequences. As an action researcher or teacher researcher, you will generate research.
2. Case Study Design – Case Studies aim to analyze specific issues within the boundaries of a specific
environment, situation or organization.
3. Descriptive Design – Descriptive Research is also used to compare how different demographics respond
to certain variables. This can be used in a wide variety od research methods to investigate one or more
variables.
3 Main Types of Descriptive Studies:
a) Case Studies
b) Naturalistic Observation
c) Surveys

Specific Methods of Descriptive Research


a) Observational Method
b) Case Study Method
c) Survey Method
Varied: Since the data collected is qualitative and quantitative, it gives a holistic understanding of
a research topic.

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.

Two Types of Sampling Design


1. Probability Sampling involves random selection, allowing the researcher to make strong statistical inferences
about the whole group.
2. Non-Probability Sampling involves non-random selection based on convenience or other criteria, allowing the
researcher to easily collect data.

Population vs. Sample


Population is the entire group that the researcher wanted to draw conclusions about.
Sample is the specific group of individuals that you will collect data from.

Probability Sampling Methods


Probability sampling means that every member of the population has a chance of being selected. It is mainly used
in quantitative research. If you want to produce results that are representative of the whole population, probability
sampling techniques are the most valid choice.

Four Main Types of Probability Sample


1. Simple Random Sampling
Every member of the population has an equal chance of being selected. Your sampling frame should include the
whole population. You can use tools like random number generators or other techniques that are based entirely on
chance.
2. Systematic Sampling
Systematic sampling is similar to simple random sampling, but it is slightly easier to conduct. Every member of
the population is listed with a number, but instead of randomly generating numbers, individuals are chosen at
regular intervals.

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.

Four Main Types of Non-Probability Sampling Methods

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.

Data Collection Methods


1. Interviews
2. Observation
3. Documents and Records
4. Focus Groups
5. Oral Histories
6. Questionnaires and Surveys

Data Processing and Tabulation


The method of converting raw data into meaningful statements includes data processing, data analysis, and data
interpretation and presentation.
Data reduction or processing mainly involves various manipulations necessary for preparing the data for analysis. The
process (of manipulation) could be manual or electronic. It involves editing, categorizing the open-ended questions,
coding, computerization and preparation of tables and diagrams.

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.

Basic Statistics in Research


Descriptive statistics are used to describe the basic features of the data in a study. They provide simple summaries about
the sample and the measures.
Descriptive statistics are typically distinguished from inferential statistics. With descriptive statistics you are simply
describing what is or what the data shows.

Data Analysis and Interpretation


Makes informed decisions and not just through guessing or predictions. The insights obtained can be used to set and
identify trends in data. Data interpretation and analysis is an important aspect of working with data sets in any field or
research and statistics.
Data analysis and interpretation is the process of assigning meaning to the collected information and determining the
conclusions, significance, and implications of the findings. ... The standard deviation, in conjunction with the mean,
provides a better understanding of the data.

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