ARCH 512 Architectural Research FS SY 2011-2012 Arch. Edeliza V.

Macalandag, UAP

Bohol Island State University Tagbilaran City

Notes 1

Research - search for knowledge, or as any systematic investigation, with an open mind, to establish novel facts, solve new or existing problems, prove new ideas, or develop new theories, usually using a scientific method. Frascati Manual (document setting forth the methodology for collecting statistics about research and development, prepared and published by the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development.) outlines three forms of research. These are basic research, applied research and experimental development: Basic research is experimental or theoretical work undertaken primarily to acquire new knowledge of the underlying foundation of phenomena and observable facts, without any particular application or use in view. Applied research is also original investigation undertaken in order to acquire new knowledge. It is, however, directed primarily towards a specific practical aim or objective. Experimental development is systematic work, drawing on existing knowledge gained from research and/or practical experience, which is directed to producing new materials, products or devices, to installing new processes, systems and services, or to improving substantially those already produced or installed.

Research Processes Scientific research. Scientific research relies on the application of the scientific method, a harnessing of curiosity.
This research provides scientific information and theories for the explanation of the nature and the properties of the world around us. It makes practical applications possible.

Generally, research is understood to follow a certain structural process. Though step order may vary depending on
the subject matter and researcher, the following steps are usually part of most formal research, both basic and applied:

1. Observations and Formation of the topic 2. Hypothesis 3. Conceptual definitions 4. Operational definition

5. Gathering of data 6. Analysis of data 7. Test, revising of hypothesis 8. Conclusion, reiteration if necessary

Artistic research. Also seen as 'practice-based research', can take form when creative works are considered both
the research and the object of research itself. It is the debatable body of thought which offers an alternative to purely scientific methods in research in its search for knowledge and truth. One of the characteristics of artistic

research is that it must accept subjectivity as opposed to the classical scientific methods. As such, it is similar to the social sciences in using qualitative research and inter-subjectivity as tools to apply measurement and critical analysis. Historical method. The historical method comprises the techniques and guidelines by which historians use historical sources and other evidence to research and then to write history. There are various history guidelines commonly used by historians in their work, under the headings of external criticism, internal criticism, and synthesis. This includes lower criticism and sensual criticism. Though items may vary depending on the subject matter and researcher, the following concepts are usually part of most formal historical research: Identification of origin date Analysis of data Evidence of localization Identification of integrity Recognition of authorship Attribution of credibility

Research Methods The goal of the research process is to produce new knowledge. This process takes three main forms (although, as previously discussed, the boundaries between them may be obscure.): 1. Exploratory research, which structures and identifies new problems 2. Constructive research, which develops solutions to a problem 3. Empirical research, which tests the feasibility of a solution using empirical evidence Two Distinct Types of Research 1. Primary research (collection of data that does not exist yet ) 2. Secondary research (summary, collation and/or synthesis of existing research) 2 Main Research Method Types 1. Qualitative research - understanding of human behavior and the reasons that govern such behavior 2. Quantitative research - systematic empirical investigation of quantitative properties and phenomena and their relationships

Figure 1. Hourglass model structure of research. Source: Eustace, Ken. (Nov 2003). Making Research Work for You: Responsibilities and Pitfalls. Retrieved July 11, 2011 from http://www.naccq.ac.nz/bacit/0101/0101eustace.html

Research Methods used in Architectural Research 1. Analysis 2. Observation 3. Surveys 4. Ethnographic study 5. Case Study

6. Interview a. Semi-structured Interview b. In-depth Interview c. Focus group 7. Action research 8. Computer Modeling/ GIS

References: 1. Research. (n.d.). In Wikipedia. Retrieved July 11, 2011, from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Research 2. Eustace, Ken. (Nov 2003). Making Research Work for You: Responsibilities and Pitfalls. Retrieved July 11, 2011 from
http://www.naccq.ac.nz/bacit/0101/0101eustace.html