Lecture 1

Research Methodology
Master of Architecture
Lecture 0:
Architectural Research
- Sanjaya Uprety (PhD)
Associate Professor
Tribhuvan University Course Coordinator
Institute of Engineering -Barsha Shrestha
Department of Architecture Tutor
Introduction: Faculty
Course Coordinator
• Dr. Sanjay Uprety,
Associate Professory
B. Arch, MSC Urban Planning, PhD Architecture/Urban Studies
• Lecturer Barsha Shrestha

B. Arch, MSC Urban Planning
Currently a PhD Scholar at IOE
Guest Lecturer
• Mr. Sudip Pokharel, Statistician (on availability)
©Sanjaya Uprety (PhD) |Tutor: Barsha Shrestha

Department of Architecture, IOE
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Introduction: Students
• Name
• Academic background
• Social background
• Experience
• Specific area of Interest in Architecture
• Why do you think such an interest crystallized?
• Have you already gone some distance into the study?

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Introduction: Course Objectives
• Research Design and Methodology

• Increasing awareness of Research, Role of RDM in an enquiry
process, Philosophy, Processes and Ethics of Research
• Introduce a Range of Research Methodologies, Methods,
Techniques, Tools, weaknesses and strengths
• Application of Architecture in field situation
• writing research proposal and reports

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Course Contents-1
A Course Orientation D Research Types and Enquiry
Process
B Language of Research 1. Types of Research
1. Concept of Research 2. Research Questions/Research
2. Fundamental and Applied Research Objectives/Hypothesis
3. Scope and Purpose of Research 3. Literature Review and Referencing
4. Major terminologies used
C. Philosophy of Research
1. Structure of Research
2. Research Paradigms
3. Logic System in Research
4. Quality in Research

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Course Contents-2
E Architectural Research-1
1. Architectural research concepts
2. Research for Design
3. Design by/through Research
F Architectural Research-2 :Types and Methodology

1. Interpretive/Historical Research
2. Qualitative Research
3. Co-relational Research
4. Experimental Research
5. Simulation Research
6. Logical Argumentation based Research
7. Case Study Research
G Selected Architectural Research Strategies and their Ontological, Epistemological

and Methodological Orientations

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Introduction: Hours & Evaluation
• 4 credits 2- 2 hrs sessions a day for 20 days
• 17 Lecture Units, 16 Tutorial Units
• Lectures/discussions
• Assessment (40 marks) in three points

• Cumulative assessment of interactions and outputs of tutorials
• Mini Research Report and
• Thesis Proposal Development
• Term Paper/Course Review
• Course Outputs
• Student Inputs 75% attendance

• Interactions and inputs in Tutorial classes
• Reports and Presentations on Assigned Topics
• Participation through critiques/discussions

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Textbooks and References
We shall be using some of these as references
Mandatory Reading (e-Books/Books Print)
1. Groat, L. & Wang, D. 2002, Architectural Research Methods, John Wiley & Sons, Inc., New
York.
2. Zeisel J.,2006, Enquiry by Design: Environment / Behavior /Neuroscience in Architecture,
Interiors, Landscape,and Planning, WW Norton and Company, New York
3. Sanoff, H., 1991, Visual Research Methods in Design, Routledge
4. Yin, R.K. 1994, Case Study Research, SAGE Publications, Thousand Oaks.
5. Hart, C. 2000, Doing a Literature Search, SAGE publications, London
6. McQueen, R. & Knussen, C. 2002, Research Methods for Social Science, Prentice Hall.

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Optional Reading (e-Books/Books Print)

Rossi, P.H., Wright, J.D. & Anderson, A.B. 1983, Handbook of Survey Research, Academic Press
Inc., London.
1. Jonker, J. & Pennik, B. 2002, The Essence of Research Methodology, Springer.
2. Polonsky, M.J. & Waller, D.S. 2005, Designing and Managing a Research Project, SAGE
Publications, Thousand Oaks.
3. Trochim, W.M.K. 2006, Research Methods Knowledge Base, [online], Available:
http://www.socialresearchmethods.net/kb,
4. [2010, June 29]
5. Scholz, R. W., Tietje, O. 2002. Embedded case study methods: Integrating quantitative and
qualitative knowledge. Thousand Oaks, CA, USA: Sage Publications. 8. Weatherford, R.
2011.
6. Hillier, B. and Hanson, J. (1984). The social logic of space, Cambridge: Cambridge
University Press. 12. Davis, L.S. and Benedikt, M.L

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Journal Articles (Mandatory)

1. Achten, H. H. (2009). Experimental design methods—a review. International Journal of
Architectural Computing, 7(4), 505-534. 10
2. Acar, S. (2018). Photography as a means of architectural (re)presentation and (re)production.
New Trends and Issues Proceedings on Humanities and Social Sciences. [Online]. 5(6), pp 24-
33. Available from: www.prosoc.eu
3. Bafna, S. (2003) SPACE SYNTAX- A Brief Introduction to Its Logic and Analytical Techniques,
ENVIRONMENT AND BEHAVIOR, Vol. 35 No. 1, PP 17-29
4. Anthony, H. A. & Dufresne, M. (2007), Potty Parity in Perspective: Gender and Family Issues in
Planning and Designing Public Restrooms, Journal of Planning Literature, Vol. 21, No. 3, Sage
Publication
5. Author(s): Heisley, D. D., & Levi, J. S. (1991), Auto driving: A Photo elicitation Technique,
Journal of Consumer Research, Vol. 18, No. 3, pp. 257-272, The University of Chicago Press ,
available at http://www.jstor.org/stable/2489338

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Thank you!

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Lecture 1:
Language of Academic/ Applied Research
Associate Professor
Introduction: What is Research?
A term describing a careful, systematic, patient study and investigation in some
field of knowledge, undertaken to establish facts or principles (Grinnell 1993: 4)
Research = Re + search
Over again and again to examine closely and carefully, to test and try, or to prove
 Research is about searching again

 It is an activity that looks back so as to move forward
 Looking at the reality to change it/transform it?
Research – what kind of search behavior is

expected of the researcher?

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Research is…..
• “A studious inquiry or examination, especially a critical investigation or

experimentation having for its aim the discovery of new facts and their correct
interpretation, the revision of accepted conclusions, theories, or laws in the light of
new discovered facts or the practical application of such conclusions, theories or laws.”
• "Diligent and systematic inquiry or investigation into a subject in order to discover

facts or principles.”
• “is a systematic and organized effort to investigate a specific problem that needs a
solution (Serkeren, 1992

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Introduction: What is Research?
 Research is one of the ways to find answers to your questions. Undertaking a research
study is to find out answers to a question through systematic process(es) that
 is being undertaken within a framework of a set of philosophies;
 uses procedures, methods and techniques that have been tested for their validity and reliability·
 is designed to be unbiased and objective.
(Kumar, 2005)
 Research process
 involves scientific methods that consist of systematic observation, classification and
interpretation of data.
 is one in which nearly all people may engage in the course of their daily lives.
 What is the difference between our day-to-day generalizations and the conclusions
usually recognized as scientific method?
 It lies in the degree of formality, rigorousness, verifiability and validity of the latter (Lundberg
1942: 5)
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Research is…..
• a careful, systematic and patient study and
investigation…undertaken to discover or establish
facts or principles
• Knowing creates description, explanation and Knowledge

understanding Production
Problem
Solution
• New knowledge: not a perchance discovery! Research
• Old Theory: New Observations
• New Observations: New theory
• New procedures of practice for old knowledge
• Purposefulness of research
• Changing Reality through New Knowledge

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If you want knowledge, you must
take part in the practice of
changing reality
Mao-Tse Tung

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What is Architectural Research
• Architectural research has been conducted throughout the history of Architecture development
>>>> particular structural forms, building materials
• Conducted over the centuries by trial-and-error experimentation, systematic observation, and

application of such building principles to other building projects
For example,
Development of the flying buttress (Nave of
Notre Dame de Paris)
• Combination of archaeological reconstruction
and structural analysis conducted by authors
William Clark
• Robert Mark demonstrated the technical

validity of what they conclude to be the
original buttress design

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Research in Architecture
 Architectural Research Architectural research requires a global or holistic understanding of

architecture.
 It is linked to the central activity of architects: design.
 It is conditioned by the fact that there are no determinist theories of which the design would
be the application; the design itself is what connects/translates them.
 It is a development/extension/ innovation of architectural practices.
 It is interested in the generally recognized practices, subjects, and themes of architecture.

Architecture is a creative discipline oriented towards practice.
 It is engaged, creative, reflexive practice

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Research in Architecture
Architecture Research (AR) in theoretical A
, historian or art theory researchers
Art + Philosophy+ Theory Scientific Researchers (climate, energy,
thermal comfort, material etc)
B 1 C
Non Exact Sciences Exact Sciences
Architecture
Human + Social Sciences Natural Science/Engineering
Social researcher (human

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behaviors, space, social relations) 2
Planning &
Landscape
Urbanism
Design and Research 3- Domain of Built
 Designing is not research Environment
 Architectural studies are Design  Architecture
either under humanities or Evidenced based Design  Landscape
Engineering departments Knowledge based Design  Planning and Urbanism
Take a Side! But how??

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Research Process in Architecture
Research Issue
Solve problems Applied Research
Methodology
Create new Fundamental

Inquiry knowledge Research

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Design Research and Process
 A Research through design embraces

creative production, with the design
Research Design
process itself as a form of discovering
new knowledge.
 The most and least understood area of Research Develop

architectural research involves that
which works through design, which
engages design itself and itself a form of
research Strategize document

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Research through design: Types based on project and context
• Describe and analyze existing
design with a known context
• Generates knowledge and 1 • Comparative study of design
understanding by looking at the… functions, forms, structures &
Effects of varying both design Design Research
the way they are made
solutions and their contexts
4 2
Study by Typological
Design Research
• Making a design in a relatively well • Looks for types, for the same
known context of potential users, 3 architectural form, structure,
investors, available techniques, material technique
Design Study
 Political, ecological and spatial • Functions or context in a
restrictions different context

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Types of Architectural Research
Divided by contents and methods
1
• Process of design and construction
Interpretive/Histo
rical Research
7 2
• Mixed of two or more Case Study Qualitative • Building habitability
Research Research
• Follows systematic 6 3
• Human safety and Security
framework Logical Correlational
Argumentation Research
• Structural, Materials, 5 4
equipment and climate Simulation Experimental • Phenomena, causal effects
Research Research
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Your Research may be done…
• in a complex environment of a society,
organizations, People, processes, procedures,
culture, attitudes, behavior, rules, politics;
everything is going on and changes at the
same times”.
• May seek knowledge, insight, design,

intervention, solution or any other means of
making a ‘change’ in the problem scene.

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Types of Research
Applied Research
• Response to specific problem
Example
• A factory needs to improve its product A to
• Is to answer practical and useful remain in the competitive market
questions about policies, programs, • Two alternatives- improve the brand A or
projects, procedures introduce Brand B as new product
• Both of these alternatives have some
• Due to immediate application-also advantages and disadvantages
known as decisional research
• It needs to research what to do taking into
account its capabilities, technical know-
how, resources and the risk and so on

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Types of Research
Fundamental Research
• Under taken to improve our
understanding of certain problems that
commonly occur in organizational setting,
Example
and how to solve them • HR managers believe that -OJT has a great
impact on the productivity of workers
• Undertaken for the sole purpose of adding • In contrary they observe productivity of
knowledge in particular areas of interest workers above 40 years do not improve
even after the training
• Not to apply the findings to solve the • Why is this so? What factors might be
immediate problem, but to understand responsible for this phenomenon? What
about certain phenomenon and problems type of training needs to be given?
that occur in certain social situations
• Need observations on OJT in different work
setting to understand relationship

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Scope & Purpose of Research
Exploration Description
• Exploration of reality • Describe the phenomenon
• To be familiar with social issues • Adds more to our knowledge
Explanation Generalization and Prediction

• To explain the phenomenon • Verifiable generalizations explain the
• To explain relationship between the phenomenon
variables of phenomenon • From sample to larger population
Theory Building Refinement of research

• Generate Knowledge methods
• Foundation for further studies • Refining of existing methods
• To provide better methods

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What is Scientific Research?
Natural Science- • Science is defined as the • Natural science believes

‘systematic organization realities are external to
Scientific Research…. of knowledge’ minds
• Relies on empirical evidence • Scientific is ‘any • Social Science believes
• Utilizes relevant concepts systematic and organized realities are constructed
pursuit of investigation’
• Is committed to objectivity
• Adheres to ethical neutrality
Natural Science
• Describes the methodology used Science and
and Social
• Aims at formulation theories Scientific
Science

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Research Design, Methodology & Method
Research Theory, methodology and context/question
Design is
interfacing
Methodology Not just a route map, but a domain
A system of methods and principles for doing something
Method Specific steps to be taken in the research in an orderly fashion

eg steps of data collection, classification, ordering, display, data
analysis, interpretation etc.
Uses techniques (of action and thinking)

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Common Terms in Research
THEORY**
PRACTICE*
HYPOTHESIS*
Theoretical and Empirical Research
• Empiricism- primacy to evidence from experience or observation
Basic and Applied Research*

Nomothetic and Idiographic rules
• – interested in establishing law-like statements, causes, consequences, etc
• – describes reality as it is
Probability
• The likelihood that an event will occur (randomly).
• Reliability of predictions, predictive studies

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Theory
Theory is “ a way of understanding the world, a framework to organize facts
and experience and interpret them in a scientific way.”
-Alexander, E. R. 1986, Approaches to Planning, 1986, Gordon and Breach Science Publishers, Montreux
 Theory is not to be taken  Nothing is as practical as theory – JR

as ‘Truth’, it may only be Oppenheimer
the latest description or
explanation of reality.  Ultimate test of worth of theory lies
in its practical use/practicability
 Theory may have
“definitional, substantive,  Didactic and Developmental
procedural, normative” relevance of research in technical
content disciplines
A Good theory should have both explanatory value as well as predictive value
– Kay, S
-Towards a new theory of the firm: a critique of ‘stakeholder’ theory, Management Decisions, 37(4), 317-328

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Hypothesis & Positivism (Naturalism)
*A hypothesis is a ‘predictive’ statement of a case specific nature that may be

based on a pre-assumed theory and that is proposed for testing.
Alternate Hypothesis Ha
Null Hypothesis Ho
• Verification (logical positivism-Vienna Circle) –Observational evidence,

empiricism
• Falsification (Karl Popper) is a better epistemological basis than verification-

particularly in social sciences – Null hypotheses, Ho

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Probability
• The likelihood that an event will occur. Within

empirical analysis, it relates to the likelihood that an
event occurred (or did not occur) randomly
• Theory of Probability offers an opportunity to

statistically study a sample to estimate on
parameters of the population itself

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Thank you!

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Lecture 2:
Writing Research Proposal & Research Report

Associate Professor
What is it??
Any proposal of Research

should state
• what is to be researched
• why is it to be researched
• how it is to be researched
• what outputs are expected
• what resources are needed/available
• what will the schedule be

2
Some Points to Reconsider
Research Proposal
• Establishes and justify the need of research
• Describes the topic’s nature, extent and limits
• (describes the theory/theoretical state of the art)
• Proposes a method of approach and procedure
• (schedule, resources and feasibility)
Not a preliminary draft of research report!
Evident Intent and promise of rigorous enquiry
Roadmap to a Creative output

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Content of Research Proposal
Initial Proposal (2000 words), Final Proposal (15000 Word)
Introduction Introduction, Location, Background
Rationale of Research Need and Importance of Research
Problem Statement Problem in real life and Development objectives of Research
Research Purpose Objectives, Research Questions, Hypothesis
Validity of Literature review to clarify theoretically need for research
Research/Topic Validity
Conceptual Framework Research design, Conceptual framework (Paradigm discussion), Methodology –
and Methodology Reasoning of choice, Method (survey and study Tools, data sources and analysis
techniques)
Expected Outputs What is expected of the research- a tentative answer
Schedule The overall schedule with time line and resource requirements
References APA referencing system, Bibliography
4
Thesis/Research report > Chapter 2/Section 2
Methods Chapter
Describe the Conceptual framework, methodology and methods

(for quality and validity)
Arguments for choice of methods, if criticism expected
Sequential description of actual steps taken!

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Thesis/Research Report > Chapter/Section 3
Data, Analysis and Results of Research
Discrete organization
Environment/Background of data collection
Sequential format but case studies may present data & analysis
together

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Thesis/Research Report > Chapter 4/Section 4
Conclusions Chapter
Discuss results of enquiry and take to theoretical domain-

answer RQs/ test Hs
Professional disciplines make Second set of conclusion on

applicability and practice
Bibliography/Reference/
Appendices

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Think about a
Research Topic!!

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Where Do Research Topic Come from?
Practical problem of theory
Experience >> behind
approach to
practical problems
>> EXAMPLES
• Color Reproduction in Carpet
Industry
• Dam Erosion in Turbines in
MHPS
• Improvement of Algorithms in
the Particle Tracking Velocimetry
• Analysis of Unsteady Flow in
Mountainous River

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Literature (Accrued knowledge)/Theory
• Rethinking conclusions/ideas
• Rethinking methods in research >>
questionable research
methods/controls/new additional
variable
RFPs/Problems of other Working

agencies
• Practical Experience/Theoretical
questionings
• (problem, context, approach, costs,
etc.!)
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Simply thinking it up!

• Did it really come out of the blue?
• Brainstorming? Recollecting inspired
thoughts?
Storming of Issues in
• Theory
• Practice
• Development

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Deciding on a Topic
• Is it feasible?
• Tradeoff between Rigor and Practicality
• Possibility of exhaustiveness
• Resources and Circumstances
• Facility/Faculty
• Time that needs to be committed

• Cooperation of others

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A maxim
Well begun is half done
-Aristotle, quoting an old proverb

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Research Design
Design is • Theory, methodology and

interfacing context/question
• A system of methods and principles for

Methodology doing something

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Research Design
Theory Methodology
Context
Question

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How experts define it
• Here > initial set of Research Questions to

be answered
An action plan • There > some set of conclusions/answers
for getting about these questions
from here to • Between Here and There > a number of
steps including collection and analysis of
there relevant data
• Robert K Yin

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Knowledge, Research Design and Philosophy
(- Flowerdew & Martin)
Methods, Knowledge METHODOLOGY

Approaches RESEARCH
Theories DESIGN
Research
Underlying
Questions /
Philosophies
Problems
Ontology Epistemology

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Thank you!

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Lecture 3:
Philosophy of Research
Associate Professor

Philosophy is to research what

grammar is to language
What would you like to know?
How will you proceed to find that
out?

2
Structure of
Research
Paradigms
Logic
Systems
Quality in
Research

3
Basic Structure of Research

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Basic Structure of Research
Beginning – Background, Need and
Importance, Problem statement
Research Purpose is decided – R.Q > Research Purpose ( R.Q.,
Objectives, Hypothesis)
Hourglass Middle –
notion of
Research Operationalize, Observe, Analyze
End –
Conclude, Generalize (Nomothetic
cases)

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Key Components of Causal Research
The Research
Question or
The Problem The Program (Cause)
Hypothesis or
Objectives
The Design The Outcomes

The units
(experiment) > (Effects)

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Basic Structure of Research: Example
Example of experimental (causal Cause (input) variable – effect (outcome)variable
Relations Study) – Hypothesis Independent variable – dependent variable

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What is a Paradigm???
A broad framework of perception, understanding, belief within which theories
and practices operate.
(Kuhn, 1962)
• “the set of common beliefs and agreements shared between scientists about
how problems should be understood and addressed”
A Story-Telling Tradition [Bassey, 1990: para 8.1]

• … a network of coherent ideas about the nature of the world and the
functions of researchers which, adhered to by a group of researchers,
conditions their thinking and underpins their research actions

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Synoptic View of PARADIGM?
a mental model
a way of seeing
a filter for one's perceptions
a frame of reference
a framework of thought or beliefs through which one's world or reality is interpreted
an example used to define a phenomenon
a commonly held belief among a group of people, such as scientists of a given discipline
Rossman & Rolls defined paradigm as ‘systematic efforts to gain knowledge’

Paradigm Shift
• In 1962, Thomas Kuhn wrote The Structure of Scientific Revolution, and fathered,
defined and popularized the concept of "paradigm shift" (p.10). Kuhn argues that
scientific advancement is not evolutionary, but rather is a "series of peaceful
interludes punctuated by intellectually violent revolutions", and in those revolutions
"one conceptual world view is replaced by another".
• Paradigm Shift is a change from one way of thinking to another. It's a revolution, a
transformation, a sort of metamorphosis. It is driven by agents of change.

Paradigm Shift

Components of Research Paradigm
Main Components of Research Paradigm:
Ontology
Epistemology
Methodology

Ontology
Ontology is the starting point of all research, after which one’s epistemological and
methodological positions logically follow.
A dictionary definition of the term may describe it as the image of social reality upon
which a theory is based
Ontological claims are ‘claims and assumptions that are made about
the nature of social reality, claims about …
…what exists,
According to Norman
Blaikie …what it looks like,
…what units make it up and how these units interact with each other

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Ontology
Snape & Spencer (2003) identify three distinct ontological

positions
Realism claims>>
there is an external reality independent of what people may think or understand it to be
Idealism maintains >>

that reality can only be understood via the human mind and socially constructed meanings.
Like realism, materialism also claims >>>

that there is a real world but it is only the material or physical world that is considered to be real.
beliefs, values or experiences arise from the material world and hence they do not shape it.

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Epistemology
Ontology –
Basis of existence, ‘concerned with being’ or reality.
‘Epistemology – ‘The branch of philosophy concerned with the origin, nature,

methods & limits of knowledge’
Derived from the Greek words episteme (knowledge) and logos (reason), epistemology focuses on
…..the knowledge-gathering process and is concerned with developing new models or theories that are better than
competing models and theories.
Knowledge, and the ways of discovering it, is not static, but forever changing.
…..When reflecting on theories, and concepts in general, researchers need to reflect on the assumptions on which
they are based and where they originate from in the first place.

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Epistemology
the theory of knowledge and possible ways of gaining knowledge,

especially in regard to its methods and validation.
Epistemology, one of
the core branches of In short, claims about how what is assumed to exist can be
known’ (Blaikie, 2000,p. 8)
philosophy, is
concerned with
Knowledge theories differ based on the ontological position of the

researcher

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Epistemology in Eastern Philosophy
Ontology means
the study of things around us in simple and
Epistemology means the

methods of obtaining the true knowledge of the above "things".
According to most of the Eastern philosophies, we use……
perception ( य ान, बोध), inference (अनुमान), Scriptural testimony/maxims

(सूि त), Analogy (उपमान, सम पता), Reasoning (यु ती, तक) ) ….etc
as the methods of obtaining true knowledge and we call it " माण ब ान ्, माण शा "
or Epistemology.

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Ways of Knowing: Inquiry Strategies
Authority
(parents, state, boss, etc)
Scientific research Religion

(viz. empiricism), (faith, belief, standard, morals, )
Tradition
Creativity (we have always done that way,
folkways, cultural patterns
Intuition

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Research Methodology and Methods
Methodology refers to general principles which underline how we investigate the

social world and how we demonstrate that the knowledge generated is valid.
Theory of Methods
Methods refers to the more practical issues of choosing an appropriate research

design – perhaps an experiment or a survey – to answer a research question, and
then designing instruments to generate data.
Research Tools
Research Methodology follows from epistemological position, which itself is defined
by the ontological assumptions of a research

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Building Blocks of Research- Inter-relationship
Ontology Epistemolog Methodolog Methods Sources

y y
What’s out
there to What and
know? how can
we know How can we
about it? go about
acquiring What
knowledge? procedures
Which
can we use
data can
to acquire
we collect?
it?
Adapted from Hay, 2002, pg. 64

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Thank you!

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Lecture 4:
Research Paradigms
Associate Professor
Department of Architecture Lecturer
©Sanjaya Uprety (PhD) |Barsha Shrestha

Paradigms in Social Research
1
Positivist
6 2
??……. Post-Positivist
5 3
Pragmatic Constructivist
4
Emancipatory,
Transformative

2
Positivism
Believes that reality can be measured/quantified perfectly and hence
quantitative
Based on realism-i.e. it believes in singular truth
There is no room for subjectivity
Measurement based on cause and effect of event/phenomenon
certainty of the results
Generalizability

Post Positivism
Believes that reality can be measured/quantified only imperfectly-hence

quantitative
Based on critical realism-i.e. it believes that there is truth but it is not absolute
Multiple causes and effect of event/phenomenon
There is always a possibility of subjectivity
uncertainty of the results>>no matter how careful/objective a researcher remain
Generalizability- but probable

Post Positivism
Research Topic:
Recurrence of EQ in Nepal Epistemological Position
Ontological Assumption/claim: objective/modified dualist/absolute
Large earthquakes have maximum distance between researcher and the
probability that it occurs in every 100 researched is not truly possible
years in Nepal
 Possibility of large EQ can be predicted from
seismic hazard analysis
Methodological Position:  Time series data can be obtained-the
destruction caused by past EQs can be
Correlation/Probability studied
Methods  Key informant who witnessed EQ s of
Multiple regression on time series data to Recent past can be consulted
estimate return period of large EQ in Nepal

Interpretivism/Construtivism
Realities cannot be measured/quantified but can be interpreted only-hence
qualitative
Believes in understanding through interpretation
Principle of relativism i.e. they may be social realities are constructed and are
context dependent
There is always a possibility of subjectivity
Holistic understanding rather than cause and effect
No reality can be termed as false & incorrect , they just depend upon the
value/meaning given by specific group/individual to that particular reality
Context specific generalization

Interpretivism/Constructivism
Research Topic: Epistemological Position: (valid
Non-veg eating culture of different ethnic groups source of knowledge)
of Nepal Eating behavior of People is>>>>
Ontological Assumption/claim:  culture and religion dependent
Eating buffalo meat is compulsion in Newari  Environmental Factors may determine such
Community/Culture during religious events behavior (in the past for it was
available/tastey)
 Eating culture and the context for such
 It can be noted that for Newari Culture, eating
behavior
buffalo meat is part of culture but it is prohibited in
 Mythologies, meat eating tradition
Bramhin Community
 But the claim about reality is true in the context of
Newari Community
Methodological Position;
Interpretation (based on hermeneutics or dialectical methods)
Methodology: Phenemenology, Grounded Theory, Ethnography

Basic Beliefs (Metaphysics) of Alternative Inquiry Paradigms
Item Positivism Post Positivism Critical Theory, et al Constructivism
Ontology Naïve realism—“real” Critical realism—“real” Historical realism— Relativism—local
reality but reality but only virtual reality shaped by and specific
apprehendable imperfectly and social, political, cultural, constructed
probabilistically economic, ethnic, and realities
apprehendable gender values;
crystallized over time
Epistemology Dualist/objectivist; Modified dualist/ Transactional/ Transactional/

findings true objectivist; critical subjectivist; value- subjectivist;
tradition/community; mediated findings created findings
findings probably true
Methodology Experimental/ Modified experimental/ Dialogic/dialectical Hermeneutical/
manipulative; manipulative; critical dialectical
verification of multiplism; falsification
hypotheses; chiefly of hypotheses; may
quantitative methods include qualitative
©Sanjaya Upretymethods
(PhD) |Barsha Shrestha
8
Paradigm Positions on Selected Practical Issues (Continued)
Issue Positivism Post Positivism Critical Theory, et al Constructivism
Ethics Extrinsic; tilt towards deception Intrinsic; tilt towards Intrinsic; process
moral elevation tilt towards
revelation; special
problems
Voice “disinterested scientist” as informer “transformative “passionate
of decision makers, policy makers, intellectual” as participant” as
and change agents advocate and activist facilitator of multi-
voice
reconstruction
Training Technical and Technical; Re-socialization; qualitative and
quantitative; quantitative and quantitative; history; values of altruism and
substantive qualitative; empowerment
theories substantive
theories
Accommodation Commensurable Incommensurable
Hegemony In control of publication, funding, Seeking recognition and input
Department of Architecture,promotion, and tenure
IOE
9
Which research paradigm does my research belong to?
Positivists
believe that there is a single reality, which can be measured and known, and therefore they are
more likely to use quantitative methods to measure and this reality.
Constructivists
believe that there is no single reality or truth, and therefore reality needs to be interpreted, and
therefore they are more likely to use qualitative methods to get those multiple realities.
Pragmatists
believe that reality is constantly renegotiated, debated, interpreted, and therefore the best
method to use is the one that solves the problem

10
AXIOLOGY: Research Ethics
Research ethics concerns with the analysis of ethical issues that are raised
when prople (or even animals) are involved in participants in research
Deontology Process based
Right process will lead to right results
Ethical Opposite to moral realism (view that there are knowable and objective moral truths).
Skepticism
never justified in believing that moral claims (moral nihilism)
Utilitarianism Concerns with the result than process

(Teleology)
Emphasize the cost benefit for moral action

11
AXIOLOGY: Research Ethics
Stakeholders in a research Ethical Issues concerning
Research Participants
Maintaining Collecting
Participants confidentiality information
Possibility to
Seeking
causing harms
consent
Researcher to RP
Seeking
Providing
sensitive
incentives
information
Funding Body

12
Research Ethics
Ethical issues Avoiding bias
for researcher
Overlooking data/observation beyond data
Inappropriate methodology (biased sampling), paradigm selections,

invalid instruments, wrong conclusions
Ethical issues Imposition
for funding
body
Misuse of data

13
Quality in Qualitative Research: Validity
Internal validity:
accuracy of causality assumed in cause-effect construct
Validity of research Construct validity:

findings >> correctness of operationalization (inter-relation of cause-effect
reasonable construct of and program-outcome construct)
relations>> Conclusion Validity:
Reasonableness at accuracy of program-outcome construct
different levels
External validity:
appropriateness of generalization.

Paradigm and Quality in Research
Positivist & Post-

• Validity
Positivist
Constructivist • Credibility
Emancipatory,
• Eroding Ignorance
Transformative

Quality in Research: Measurement
• Internal Validity
• External Validity
Positivism/Post-positivism • Reliability
• Objectivity
• Credibility
• Transferability
Constructivism (naturalism) • Dependability
• Confirmability
• Historical Situatedness
Critical Theory • Eroding Ignorance
(Emancipatory) • Transformational Impulse

Thank you!

17
Lecture 5:
Logics in Research
Associate Professor
Department of Architecture Lecturer
Knowledge Building Through History
1
Deduction to Common sense
Perfect Induction
to Probability
7 2
(induction based From Aristotle to Bacon Faiths
on limited cases
observation)
6 3
Experience and Revelations,
Logic/Reason Intuitions
4
5 Authority as a
Verification source of
knowledge
2
Logical Argumentation
Range of Logical Argumentation
Logical systems have broad explanatory power – based on axiomatic certainties, a
priori, linkage of factors or facts
Formal Cultural Analytical Discursive

Mathematical Tools, Models World views
Rule-based/Syntactic Systematic Explanations
Equations Treatise
Computer programs Test: Normative in cultural
Test: Quantitative milieu
Definition Quantity, quality, origins, conceptual delimitation, scope, content, terms
Relationship Necessity, Deduction-Induction, Syllogism, Implication

Rhetoric Naming, association/disassociation, story, image, group experience, authority

3
Deductive logic
Testing theory
Starts with a premise

Form of reasoning
in which from two
propositions a third Reasoning can lead to an absolutely true conclusion if and only
is deduced if the premises that lead to that conclusion are also true.
Moves from generalized principles that are known to be true to

a true and specific conclusion
Does not allow for the possibility that the conclusion is false,
even if all of the premises are true

4
Follows Syllogism – a form of deductive logics
Therefore,
All crows are This bird is
this bird is a A-B, C-A, C-B
black black
crow.
Therefore,
All crows are This bird is a Sequence of
this bird is
black (major crow (minor But not … propositions
black
premise) premise) is critical
(conclusion)
Form of reasoning in which from two propositions a third

is deduced

5
Follows Syllogism – a form of deductive logics
In this example, it is a
And if Then logical necessity that
If X=4
Y=1 2x+y=9 2x+y equal 9: 2x+y
must be equal 9
It is possible to If the generalization

come to a logical is wrong, the
conclusion even if conclusion may be
the generalization is logical, but it may For Example …
not true also be untrue
Deductive inference Conclusions are certain provided the

premises are true

6
Syllogism - Examples
Premise-1: A medical technology ought to be Premise 1: The cost of energy

funded if it has been used successfully to treat
patients.
will increase if building is
Premise-2: Adult stem cells are being used to treat oriented towards south in hot
patients successfully in more than sixty-five new humid climate
therapies.
Logical Deduction: Adult stem cell research and
technology should be funded.
Premise 2: My building has
south orientation
In the syllogism above, the first two statements,

Deduction: The energy cost of
the propositions or premises, lead logically my building will be increased
to the third statement, the conclusion unless it is oriented towards
north

7
Deductive Thinking

8
Deductive Approach
Working from the general to the more specific
Think up a theory > Narrow down to specific hypotheses > Narrow down even further to collect
observations > Test the hypotheses with specific data -- a confirmation (or not) of original theory.
Use and development of deductive logic > attributed to Greek philosophy (Aristotle)
The Deductive approach begins explicitly with a theory that is used to postulate a tentative
hypothesis, then proceeds to use observations to rigorously test the hypotheses.
Deductive propositions form a hierarchy from theoretical to observational; from abstract to

concrete.

9
Inductive Logic
Generation of new theory emerging from data
Inductive reasoning begins

with observations that are Starts with a conclusion
specific and limited in
scope, and proceeds ….
The accuracy of reasoning is probabilistic (not absolutely true)

…….to a generalized as it is built upon specific premises to build a conclusion
conclusion that is likely, but
not certain, in light of
accumulated evidence Moves from specific instances into a generalized conclusion

10
Inductive Logic
Allows for the possibility that the conclusion is false, even if all of the
premises are true
Conclusions reached by the inductive method are not logical necessities;

Inductive no amount of inductive evidence guarantees the conclusion…
reasoning
(Contintd….)
because there is no way to know that all the possible evidence has been
gathered, and that there exists no further bit of unobserved evidence
that might invalidate the hypothesis
Rather, they are cogent: that is, the evidence seems complete, relevant,
and generally convincing, and the conclusion is therefore probably true

11
Inductive Logic
Albert Einstein observed the movement of a pocket compass when he was 5
He became fascinated with the idea that something invisible in the space
Example around the compass needle was causing it to move.
This observation, combined with additional observations (of moving trains, for
example) and the results of logical and mathematical tools (deduction),
resulted in a rule that fit his observations and could predict events that were as
yet unobserved.

12
Inductive Logic
It is an important difference from deductive reasoning that, while inductive reasoning cannot yield an absolutely certain
conclusion, it can actually increase human knowledge (it is ampliative). It can make predictions about future events or as-
yet unobserved phenomena
13
Inductive Thinking

14
Inductive Approach
Working from the specific to the general (theories)
Specific observations >> patterns and regularities >> tentative hypotheses >> tests
(further observations) >> extended to general conclusions or theories
enquiry builds generalizations out of observations of specific events. It starts with

singular or particular statements and ends up with general or universal propositions.
assumes that all science starts with observations which provide a secure basis from which
knowledge can be derived and claims that reality impinges directly on the senses.

15
Inductive Approach
Perfect induction >> Baconian induction
Asia has sea, Europe has sea and so does all the continents-
Conclusion: All continent has sea
Imperfect limited observations and generalization >> certainty of the generalization and
Inductions concept of probability >> continuous reassessment.
Conclusion: all crows are black from limited

observations-
what about white crow?

16
Mix of Inductive & Deductive Logic
The Research Wheel: A scheme proposed by Wallace (1971)
Natural sciences > usually deductive
and also objective (greater store of
theories?)
Mathematics is almost totally
deductive
Social sciences > inductive and also

normative in many instances.
These days: Research methods use

both types of logics in their
procedure and methodologies
combines Inductive and Deductive strategies to capitalize on their strengths and minimize their
weaknesses creating a cyclic process- allows for movement between theorizing & doing empirical
research.
17
Retroduction
Retroductive research strategy involves the building of hypothetical

models as a way of uncovering the real structures and mechanisms
which are assumed to produce empirical phenomena.
The model, if it were to exist and act in the postulated way, would
therefore account for the phenomena in question.

18
Retroduction
A phenomena is identified
Explanation is based on a postulated existence
A generative mechanism is constructed and empirically tested, and this mechanism

then becomes the phenomenon to be explained and the cycle repeats.
Astronomical examples:
• heliocentric model,
• earth’s tilt and rotation and changing length of days
• motion/s of earth, moon and sun and eclipses

19
Retroduction
Retroduction starts with 'hypothesis formulation' as the first stage of an
enquiry.
in the second stage of an enquiry, consequences are deducted from the
hypothesis
and, in the third stage, these consequences are tested by means of Induction.
Retroduction differs from Induction which infers from one set of facts, another set of
facts, whereas
Retroduction infers from facts of one kind, to facts of another.

20
Abductive Logic
The Abductive research strategy is used by Interpretivism/phenomenology to

produce scientific accounts of social life by drawing on the concepts and meanings
used by social actors and the activities in which they engage.
Access to any social world is by the accounts given by the people who inhabit it.
These accounts contain the concepts that people use to structure their world - the
meanings and interpretations, the motives and intentions which people use in
their everyday lives and which direct their behavior.

21
Abductive Logic
Observing through the eyes of Someone else using an Open

Research Question
Use of
characteristics Open
Observations
and structure Participant Learning from question,
> grounded
to frame a observation inside out exploring
theory
model or attitude
theory

22
Abductive Logic
Observing through the eyes of the Researcher using a Closed

Research Question
Model,
Use of theory
theory, Learning
to frame and ‘To measure Closed
hypotheses > from outside
understand a is to know’ question
measuring in
problem
variables

23
Abductive Logic

24
Thank you!

25

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Research Methodology

• Lecturer Barsha Shrestha

©Sanjaya Uprety (PhD) |Tutor: Barsha Shrestha

©Sanjaya Uprety (PhD) |Tutor: Barsha Shrestha

• Research Design and Methodology

©Sanjaya Uprety (PhD) |Tutor: Barsha Shrestha

©Sanjaya Uprety (PhD) |Tutor: Barsha Shrestha

F Architectural Research-2 :Types and Methodology

G Selected Architectural Research Strategies and their Ontological, Epistemological

©Sanjaya Uprety (PhD) |Tutor: Barsha Shrestha

• Assessment (40 marks) in three points

• Student Inputs 75% attendance

©Sanjaya Uprety (PhD) |Tutor: Barsha Shrestha

We shall be using some of these as references

Mandatory Reading (e-Books/Books Print)

©Sanjaya Uprety (PhD) |Tutor: Barsha Shrestha

Optional Reading (e-Books/Books Print)

©Sanjaya Uprety (PhD) |Tutor: Barsha Shrestha

Journal Articles (Mandatory)

©Sanjaya Uprety (PhD) |Tutor: Barsha Shrestha

©Sanjaya Uprety (PhD) |Tutor: Barsha Shrestha

 Research is about searching again

Research – what kind of search behavior is

©Sanjaya Uprety (PhD) |Tutor: Barsha Shrestha

• “A studious inquiry or examination, especially a critical investigation or

• "Diligent and systematic inquiry or investigation into a subject in order to discover

©Sanjaya Uprety (PhD) |Tutor: Barsha Shrestha

• Knowing creates description, explanation and Knowledge

• Changing Reality through New Knowledge

©Sanjaya Uprety (PhD) |Tutor: Barsha Shrestha

©Sanjaya Uprety (PhD) |Tutor: Barsha Shrestha

• Conducted over the centuries by trial-and-error experimentation, systematic observation, and

• Robert Mark demonstrated the technical

©Sanjaya Uprety (PhD) |Tutor: Barsha Shrestha

 Architectural Research Architectural research requires a global or holistic understanding of

 It is linked to the central activity of architects: design.

 It is a development/extension/ innovation of architectural practices.

 It is interested in the generally recognized practices, subjects, and themes of architecture.

 It is engaged, creative, reflexive practice

©Sanjaya Uprety (PhD) |Tutor: Barsha Shrestha

Social researcher (human

Take a Side! But how??

Solve problems Applied Research

Create new Fundamental

©Sanjaya Uprety (PhD) |Tutor: Barsha Shrestha

 A Research through design embraces

 The most and least understood area of Research Develop

©Sanjaya Uprety (PhD) |Tutor: Barsha Shrestha

©Sanjaya Uprety (PhD) |Tutor: Barsha Shrestha

• May seek knowledge, insight, design,

©Sanjaya Uprety (PhD) |Tutor: Barsha Shrestha

©Sanjaya Uprety (PhD) |Tutor: Barsha Shrestha

©Sanjaya Uprety (PhD) |Tutor: Barsha Shrestha

Explanation Generalization and Prediction

Theory Building Refinement of research

©Sanjaya Uprety (PhD) |Tutor: Barsha Shrestha

Natural Science- • Science is defined as the • Natural science believes

©Sanjaya Uprety (PhD) |Tutor: Barsha Shrestha

Methodology Not just a route map, but a domain

A system of methods and principles for doing something

Method Specific steps to be taken in the research in an orderly fashion

©Sanjaya Uprety (PhD) |Tutor: Barsha Shrestha