Research Methods
UNIT 1
Research:
• It is defined as a careful consideration of study regarding a particular
concern or a problem using a scientific method.
• It is a systematic process of critical enquiry leading to a valid proposition and
conclusions that are common to others.
Objective of research:
• The main objective of research is to find out the truth which is hidden and
which has not been discovered as yet.
• To gain familiarity with a phenomenon.
• To portray accurately the characteristics of a particular thing.
• To determine the frequency with which something occurs.
• To test a hypothesis of a casual relationship between variables
Motivation in research:
• Desire to get a research degree.
• Desire to face the challenge in solving the unsolved problems.
• Desire to get intellectual joy of doing some creative work.
• Desire to be of service to the society.
• Desire to get respectability.
TYPES OF RESEARCH
Descriptive Vs Analytical
Applied Vs Fundamental
Common types
of Research
Quantitative Vs Qualitative
Conceptual Vs Empirical
Some other types
Descriptive Research:
• It includes surveys and fact findings enquiries of different kinds.
• The main purpose is description of the state of affairs as it exists at
present.
• In business it often termed as “Ex Post Facto” research.
• It has no control over any variables.
Analytical Research:
• In this research type, the researcher has to use facts already available
and analyse these to make critical evaluation of the material
Applied Research:
• It aims at finding a solution for an immediate problem facing a
society.
• Research to identify social, economics or political trends that may
affect a particular institution or evaluation are examples of applied
research.
Fundamental Research:
• It mainly concerned with generalisation and with the formulation of a
theory.
• Research concerning some natural phenomenon or relating to pure
mathematics are some examples
Quantitative Research:
• It is based on the measurement of quantity or amount.
Qualitative Research:
• It is concerned with qualitative phenomenon.
• For instance, When we are interested in investigating the reason for
human behaviour.
Conceptual Research:
• It is related to some abstract ideas or theory.
• It is generally used by philosophers and thinkers to develop new
concepts or to reinterpret the existing ones.
Empirical Research:
• It relies on experience or observation alone, often without due regard
for systems and theory.
• It is data based research, coming up with conclusions which are
capable of being verified by observations or experiment.
• It is otherwise called as experimental type of research
Some other types of Research:
• One-time research: The research is confined to a single time period.
• Longitudinal research: The research is carried on over a several time
period
• Field setting research or Laboratory research or Simulation research:
Based on the environment in which it is to be carried out
• Historical research: Which utilise historical sources like documents,
remains, etc. to study events or ideas of the past.
Difference between Design Studio, Dissertation and Design Thesis
Design Studio:
It is meant to provide students with expertise and knowledge necessary
in order to produce innovative, creative and competent design
solutions.
Objective:
• To develop students imagination in design and allow them to produce
architectural designs that have dialogue and balance between poetic
and pragmatic thinking.
• It provides architectural students with the skill to work under both
intuitive and practical contexts.
Difference between Design Studio, Dissertation and Design Thesis
Dissertation:
• It is a project that marks the end of a Master’s programme. A dissertation
is a compilation of research that proves you are knowledgeable about
the information learn throughout the programme.
• It is a kind of research papers you are familiar with from undergraduate.
• You research a topic then analyse and comment up on the information.
Difference between Design Studio, Dissertation and Design Thesis
Thesis:
• Generally thesis occurs during a doctoral study. It is an opportunity to
contribute new knowledge, theories or practices to your field.
• The point is to come up with an entirely new concept, develop it and
defend its worth.
• In thesis, you utilise other’s research merely as guidance in coming up
with and providing your own unique hypothesis, theory or concepts.
• Usually, thesis should be much longer because they involve a great
deal of background and research information along with every detail
of your research and how you arrived at the information.
Note: The above definition is based on European and in American, the
definition is almost the opposite.
