Research Methods in Architecture What is research? Ontology of Research, Science, and Knowledge Dr. Yasser Mahgoub

Definition of Research re·search noun. 1.diligent and systematic inquiry or investigation into a subject in order to discove r or revise facts, theories, applications, etc.: recent research in medicine. 2.a particular instance or piece of research. verb (used without object) 3.to make researches; investigate carefully. verb (used with object) 4.to make an extensive investigation into: to research a matter thoroughly. Origin: 1570–80; (v.) < Middle French recercher to seek, Old French, equivalent to re- re- + cercher to search;(noun) < Middle French recerche Synonyms 1. scrutiny, study. 2. study, inquire, examine, scrutinize.

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The Research Cycle

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1 Select Topic 2 Review Literature 3 Devise Conceptual Framework 4 Decide research questions 5 List information needs 6 Decide research strategy 7 Conduct research 8 Report findings Research Steps

1. Select a topic Researcher’s Personal Interest Issues identified in the literature Policy or management problem Issue of Social Concern Popular Media Issue From this, you can develop the aim/purpose and first attempt at a problem statement…..

2. Literature Review Entire basis of the research Source of ideas on topics for research Information on research already done by others Source of Methods or theory ideas Basis of comparison Information that is an integral/supportive part of the research Topic/problem statement guides this review - the review leads to further problem statement clarification

3. Devise Conceptual Framework Framework involves concepts Concepts are general representations of the phenomena to be studied - building blocks Framework indicates how the researcher views the concepts involved - relationships between elements involved

Development of Conceptual Framework/Model (Veal, 1998, p. 46) Identify Concepts Operationalize Concepts Define Concepts Explore relationships between Concepts

4. Decide on Research Questions Further clarify the problem statement into more measurable terms. 1.Find out what is already known about the subject through doing a literature review. 2. After you know what is already known, your question my need to be reformulated so that you have a question in need of an answer, rather than a question that has already been answered

Problem Statement Problem Statement is your strategic Objective The main problem Can’t be transformed in a single question In few words

Secondary Questions Secondary questions - questions used to answer the problem statement Closer to real data (reality). Can be transformed in a simple question. In relationship with the main problem. “It is not the answer that is critical, rather it is the asking of a good question.“ (Ionesco) 21Research Methods in Architecture - Dr. Yasser Mahgoub

5. List of Information Needs Guided by the Problem Statement and secondary questions and conceptual framework.

6. Decide on research Strategy Project Elements Information gathering techniques to be used Data Analysis techniques Budget Timetable

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7. Conduct Research Pilot study – Use to test and adjust data collection tools Data collection – Collect required data Data analysis – Analyse collected data

8. Report Findings Through - tables, figures, GIS, graphics, and text discussion/oral presentations

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