ADAMSON UNIVERSITY

COLLEGE OF ARCHITECTURE
900 San Marcelino St, Ermita,
Metro Manila Philippines

RESEARCH METHODS FOR ARCH 1

BOOK REVIEW
“Architectural Research Methods Second Edition by
Linda Groat & David Wang”

Submitted to:
Ar. Jasmin Grace Lee

Submitted by:
Miguel, Nikka Noelle A.

First Semester S.Y. 2023-2024

October 23
 PART 1
BOOK REVIEW

Linda Goat's Architectural Research Methods is a crucial tool for researchers,

practitioners, and students of architecture. This thorough manual looks deeply into the
many research techniques required for carrying out successful architecture studies. The
book provides a plethora of information and helpful guidance in plain, understandable
language.

The organization and structure of this work are among its significant advantages. Linda
Goat expertly lays out the study process step by step as she leads readers on a logical
journey. Each chapter effortlessly transitions into the one after it, allowing readers to gain
a thorough understanding of research technique from developing research questions to
choosing acceptable methodologies.

Goat offers a balanced viewpoint by highlighting the use of both qualitative and
quantitative methodologies in architecture research. She expertly discusses the subtleties
of each approach, emphasizing its benefits and drawbacks for architectural research. She
provides readers with the knowledge they need to decide on their study design as a
result.

Through the use of case studies and analogies from everyday life, Goat illuminates
difficult ideas throughout the book. The reader is able to connect theory to practice and
understand the applicability of various research methodologies in the context of
architecture thanks to these concrete examples. The clarity of the content is further
improved by the use of visual aids like charts and diagrams.

The use of cutting-edge research technology is one feature that distinguishes

Architectural Research Methods from other works on the subject. Goat acknowledges the
significance of integrating technology developments in modern architecture study, such
as Building Information Modeling (BIM) and virtual reality. She makes sure that readers
are up to date with modern trends and tools by talking about how they are incorporated
into research procedures. It is important to note that some readers could find the book's
more technical or dense passages confusing. A basic understanding of research
methodology and architectural jargon is assumed in Architectural Research Methods.
While this could be helpful for seasoned researchers, it might be difficult for newcomers
or researchers from adjacent subjects to get started in architectural research.

In conclusion, everybody conducting architectural research, including academics,

professionals, and students, should read Architectural Research Methods by Linda Goat.
It skillfully integrates theory, practice, and modern technological breakthroughs to offer a
thorough understanding of architectural research approaches. This book is a priceless
tool for scholars in the field because of Goat's straightforward writing style, useful
examples, and fair approach.

Wang's aptitude for bridging the gap between theory and practice is among the book's
key advantages. He emphasizes the practical uses of architectural research
methodologies while also giving readers a firm theoretical framework. This guarantees
that the information is still current and available to both academic scholars and business
executives.

The value of multidisciplinary thinking in architectural study is demonstrated by Wang. To

get new perspectives on architectural design and its effects on people and communities,
he advises readers to investigate a variety of subjects, including psychology, sociology,
anthropology, and environmental sciences. Wang's strategy broadens the scope of
conventional architecture study by encouraging interdisciplinary collaboration.

Additionally, the book introduces readers to a variety of cutting-edge research

approaches and technology that are revolutionizing the architectural industry. Wang is
aware of the benefits of using digital technologies to improve the research process, such
as advanced 3D modeling, parametric design, and data-driven analysis. He explains how
new tools might supplement conventional approaches and allow researchers to more
successfully take on difficult design problems.

Architectural Research Methods also stands out for Wang's focus on sustainability and
moral issues. He promotes a research strategy that emphasizes social justice and
environmentally sound design. Wang shows that, in addition to advancing the discipline,
architectural research is essential to establishing a better and more sustainable future by
tackling these urgent concerns.

The book might not be appropriate for readers looking for a thorough explanation of
conventional research procedures, it is vital to mention. While it does include certain
traditional techniques, the main objective is to introduce fresh and creative ideas. The
emphasis on emerging approaches in the book may not satisfy readers expecting for a
comprehensive examination of well-established research paradigms.

In conclusion, David Wang's Architectural Research Methods offers an innovative and

engrossing investigation of research methodologies in the subject of architecture. This
book is an invaluable resource for scholars, practitioners, and students alike due to
Wang's interdisciplinary approach, incorporation of developing technology, and emphasis
on sustainability. Wang pushes the limits of architectural research and provides a new
and stimulating viewpoint by criticizing conventional research procedures.
 PART 2
SEVEN RESEARCH STRATEGIES

RESEARCH DATA REMARKS/

DATA PROCESS
DESIGN COLLECTION REFEENCE

Qualitative Research Narrative Wang, David

Research Interviews Analysis and Linda N.
Focus Groups Discourse Groat.
Oral History Analysis ‘’Historical
Research?’’.
Chap. 6, In the
Architectural
Research
Methods. 2nd
ed. Hoboken:
Wiley, 2013

Table 1 : Chapter 6 - Historical Research (David Wang)

 RESEARCH DATA REMARKS/
DATA PROCESS
DESIGN COLLECTION REFEENCE

Qualitative In-depth Ethnographic Wang, David and

Research interviews Method Linda N. Groat.
Focus Groups Phenomenological ‘’Qualitative
Open-ended Approaches Research?’’.
surveys Grounded Theory Chap. 7, In the
Task-oriented Analysis Architectural
formats Integrative Research
Approaches to Methods. 2nd ed.
Qualitative Hoboken: Wiley,
Research 2013

Table 2 : Chapter 7 - Qualitative Research (Linda Groat)

 RESEARCH DATA REMARKS/
DATA PROCESS
DESIGN COLLECTION REFEENCE

Quantitative Probability Typological Wang, David

Research Sampling Analysis and Linda N.
Interviews Multiple Groat.
Surveys Regression ‘’Correlational
Observations Factor Analysis Research?’’.
Mapping Multidimensional Chap. 8, In the
Sorting Scaling Architectural
Archives Research
Methods. 2nd
ed. Hoboken:
Wiley, 2013

Table 3 : Chapter 8 - Correlational Research (Linda Groat)

 RESEARCH DATA REMARKS/
DATA PROCESS
DESIGN COLLECTION REFEENCE

Quantitative Independent Case Analysis Wang, David

Research Variable Two-Group and Linda N.
Control Group Analysis Groat.
Survey Time-Series ‘’Experimental
Post-test Analysis and Quasi‐
Pre-test Multiple Experimental
Regression Research?’’.
Chap. 9, In the
Architectural
Research
Methods. 2nd
ed. Hoboken:
Wiley, 2013

Table 4 : Chapter 9 - Experimental and Quasi‐Experimental Research (Linda Groat)

 RESEARCH DATA REMARKS/
DATA COLLECTION
DESIGN PROCESS REFEENCE

Quantitative Independent Model Based Wang, David

Research Variable Analysis and Linda N.
Control Group Time-Series Groat.
Survey Analysis ‘’Simulation
The Measurement Simulation Research?’’.
of One or More Data Chap. 10, In the
Outcome Architectural
Variables Research
Methods. 2nd
ed. Hoboken:
Wiley, 2013

Table 5: Chapter 10 - Simulation Research (David Wang)

 RESEARCH DATA REMARKS/
DATA PROCESS
DESIGN COLLECTION REFEENCE

Qualitative Primary and Content Analysis Wang, David

Research Secondary Narrative Analysis and Linda N.
Logical Discourse Groat. ‘’Logical
Frameworks Analysis Argumentation?’
Open-ended ’. Chap. 11, In
surveys the Architectural
Research
Methods. 2nd
ed. Hoboken:
Wiley, 2013

Table 6 : Chapter 11 - Logical Argumentation (David Wang)

 RESEARCH DATA REMARKS/
DATA PROCESS
DESIGN COLLECTION REFEENCE

Qualitative Research Case Analysis Wang, David

Research Interviews Grounded Theory and Linda N.
Focus Groups Analysis Groat. ‘’Case
Observation Thematic Analysis Studies and
Open-ended Combined
surveys Strategies?’’.
Chap. 12, In the
Architectural
Research
Methods. 2nd
ed. Hoboken:
Wiley, 2013

Table 7 : Chapter 12 - Case Studies and Combined Strategies (Linda Groat)