Research Methodology Que: Discuss what do you mean by research?

What are its main components and also highlight some areas in the field of Architecture in which research can be undertaken. Elaborate your explanation with suitable examples. Ans: Research is systematic investigation of a subject to discover new knowledge, including designs of new products and processes. Research follows a scientific method. This means that it makes an integrated use of inductive and deductive reasoning. This makes it very useful for explaining and/or predicting phenomena. The basic assumption of the scientific method is that every effect has a caus. It starts with the construction of hypotheses from casual observations and background knowledge (inductive reasoning) to reasoning out consequences or implications of hypotheses (deductive reasoning) followed by testing of the implications and confirmation or rejection of the hypotheses. Integrated use of inductive and deductive reasoning is, therefore, the essence of scientific method. The process of carrying out research is influenced heavily by the topic being researched and the purpose of research. However we can identify following main steps in all kinds of research projects. Understanding the nature of problem to be studied and identifying the related area of knowledge. Reviewing literature to understand how others have approached or dealt with the problem. Collecting data in an organized and controlled manner so as to arrive at valid decisions. Analyzing data appropriate to the problem. Drawing conclusions and making generalizations. Talking about the architectural research fields there are many ongoing and recent issues on which researches are going or can be done. Following are the architectural fields in which researches can be done: Sustainable architecture Energy efficiency criterias for buildings Vernacular and low cost architecture Computational analysis of architectural and urban space Occupant Comfort in Naturally Ventilated and Mixed-Mode Spaces within Air-Conditioned Offices Architecture after disasters etc.

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Research Methodology Que: What is the difference between Action research/Applied Research and Pure or Fundamental Research? Elaborate your explanation with suitable examples. Also write an Action Research Plan on any component of Architecture Education. Ans: The most basic distinction between the two researches is that basic research is research that has no immediate application, whereas applied research is research that does. However, such distinctions are somewhat ambiguous as almost all basic research eventually results in some worthwhile application in the long range. The basic differences between the researches are listed in the table below: Basic research Develop and test educational theory and derive generalizations. Intensive training is needed in Research Methodology. A wide range of methods are used to select a problem Highly specific hypotheses are developed. An exhaustive and thorough review of literature is required. Considerably large sample size is required. Action research To find solutions to problems in a specific context Limited training is needed. Problem already exist

Specific statement of the problem serves as hypotheses. No such thorough review of literature is needed. Sample is generally small -confines to people directly related to the problem Well thought experimental design Procedures are planned only in is developed to maintain general terms comparable conditions and reducing error and bias Complex analysis is often called Simple analysis procedures are for. usually sufficient. Conclusions may be in the form of Findings are local specific. generalizations and developing theories. The generalizations have broad Findings are used immediately applicability

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Research Methodology

Que: What are different types of Researches in Architecture? Select any one and write a detailed synopsis on it. Ans: Following are the different types of researches : Experimental: It deals with what will be when all conditions are carefully controlled. The primary characteristic of experimental research is manipulation of at least one variables and control over the other relevant variables so as to measure its effect on one or more dependent variables. The variable (s) which is manipulated is also called independent variables, a treatment, an experimental variables or the cause. Some of the examples of independent variables could be: temperature, pressure, chemical concentration, type of material and conductivity. Non-Experimental: Non-experimental research is almost the same as experimental research; the only difference is that non-experimental research does not involve a manipulation of the situation, circumstances or experience of the participants Descriptive: Descriptive research studies deal with collecting data and testing hypotheses or answering questions concerning the current status of the subject of study. It deals with the question WHAT IS of a situation. It concerns with determining the current practices, status or features of situations. Another aspect of descriptive research is that data collection is either done through asking questions from individuals in the situation (through questionnaires or interviews) or by observation. Historical : The purpose of historical research is to arrive at conclusions concerning trends, causes or effects of past occurrences. This may help in explaining present events and anticipating future events. The data are not gathered by administering instruments to individuals. Rather, they are collected from original documents or by interviewing the eyewitnesses (primary source of information). In case primary sources are not available, data are collected from those other than eye-witnesses (secondary Page | 3

Nausheen Fatima , M.Arch (Medical Architecture)- I semester, J.M.I

Research Methodology sources). The data thus collected are subjected to scientific analysis to assess its authenticity and accuracy. Co relational : A correlation study aims at determining the degree of relationship between two or more quantifiable variables. Secondly, the relationship thus determined could be used for making predictions. A high value of relationship, however, does not signify a cause and effect relationship which must be verified through and experimental study. Co relational research are studies that are often conducted to test the reliability and predictive validity of instruments used for division making concerning selection of individuals for the likely success in a course of study or a specific job. Some authors consider this research as a type of descriptive research, since it describes the current conditions in a situation. However, the difference lies in the nature of conditions studies. EX-POST FACTO STUDIES: Systematic empirical inquiry in which the scientist does not have direct control of independent variables because their manifestations have already occurred or because they are inherently not manipulable. Thus, in ex-post facto research or causal-comparative research the researcher has no control on the variables or he cannot manipulate the variables (independent variables) which cause a certain effect (dependent variables) being measured.

A detailed synopsis on historical research is as follows: Evolution of hospital architecture (A Historical Research Study) Introduction: Throughout history, the place where the sick have been cared for has transformed. These healing environments have ranged from the home, to the church, and then developed to what we now understand as hospitals. Aim: To study how healing spaces turns into a complicated design structures of today known as hospital buildings Objective: Nausheen Fatima , M.Arch (Medical Architecture)- I semester, J.M.I Page | 4

Research Methodology To study the historical spaces type used as healing environment. Role of Florence Nightingale in evolution of hospital spaces Role of emerging technologies in shaping Hospital Architecture Flexibility concerns in Hospital Architecture Todays evolution based designing approach

Scope of study: Study will be a holistic approach towards Hospital Architecture Identifying the basic criterias for development of hospital architecture Factors still applicable for the changing and developing design of hospitals

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Research Methodology Methodology:

SOURCES

SECONDARY SOURCES PRIMARY SOURCES

Books, journals, magazines Case studies Old churches as healing spaces Fortis, India Web search

Comparative Analysis

Summation of the Relevant Data

Present Scenario Interviews

Que: Discuss in detail the sampling techniques in architecture researches. What precautions an investigator have to take in selection of sample for his/her research? Nausheen Fatima , M.Arch (Medical Architecture)- I semester, J.M.I Page | 6

Research Methodology

Ans: Sample is a small proportion of population selected for observation and analysis. Samples are not selected haphazardly, they are chosen in a systematically random ways. The three main advantages of sampling are that the cost is lower, data collection is faster, and since the data set is smaller it is possible to ensure homogeneity and to improve the accuracy and quality of the data. Sampling techniques are as follows: 1) Simple random sampling: In a simple random sample of a given size, all sets chosen are given an equal probability. Each element of the frame thus has an equal probability of selection: Furthermore, any given pair of elements has the same chance of selection as any other such pair (and similarly for triples, and so on). This minimizes bias and simplifies analysis of results. In particular, the variance between individual results within the sample is a good indicator of variance in the overall population, which makes it relatively easy to estimate the accuracy of results. 2) Systematic sampling: Systematic sampling relies on arranging the target population according to some ordering scheme and then selecting elements at regular intervals through that ordered list. Systematic sampling involves a random start and then proceeds with the selection of every kth element from then onwards. In this case, k=(population size/sample size). It is important that the starting point is not automatically the first in the list, but is instead randomly chosen from within the first to the kth element in the list. 3) Stratified sampling: Where the population embraces a number of distinct categories, the frame can be organized by these categories into separate "strata." Each stratum is then sampled as an independent subpopulation, out of which individual elements can be randomly selected. There are several potential benefits to stratified sampling. First, dividing the population into distinct, independent strata can enable researchers to draw inferences about specific subgroups that may be lost in a more generalized random sample. Second, utilizing a stratified sampling method can lead to more efficient statistical estimates (provided that strata are selected based upon relevance to the criterion in question, instead of Nausheen Fatima , M.Arch (Medical Architecture)- I semester, J.M.I Page | 7

Research Methodology availability of the samples). Even if a stratified sampling approach does not lead to increased statistical efficiency, such a tactic will not result in less efficiency than would simple random sampling, provided that each stratum is proportional to the group's size in the population. Third, it is sometimes the case that data are more readily available for individual, pre-existing strata within a population than for the overall population; in such cases, using a stratified sampling approach may be more convenient than aggregating data across groups (though this may potentially be at odds with the previously noted importance of utilizing criterion-relevant strata). Finally, since each stratum is treated as an independent population, different sampling approaches can be applied to different strata, potentially enabling researchers to use the approach best suited (or most cost-effective) for each identified subgroup within the population. 4) Cluster sampling : Sometimes it is more cost-effective to select respondents in groups ('clusters'). Sampling is often clustered by geography, or by time periods. (Nearly all samples are in some sense 'clustered' in time - although this is rarely taken into account in the analysis.) For instance, if surveying households within a city, we might choose to select 100 city blocks and then interview every household within the selected blocks. Clustering can reduce travel and administrative costs. In the example above, an interviewer can make a single trip to visit several households in one block, rather than having to drive to a different block for each household. 5) Quota sampling: In quota sampling, the population is first segmented into mutually exclusive sub-groups, just as in stratified sampling. Then judgments are used to select the subjects or units from each segment based on a specified proportion. For example, an interviewer may be told to sample 200 females and 300 males between the age of 45 and 60. It is this second step which makes the technique one of nonprobability sampling. In quota sampling the selection of the sample is non-random. For example interviewers might be tempted to interview those who look most helpful. The problem is that these samples may be biased because not everyone gets Nausheen Fatima , M.Arch (Medical Architecture)- I semester, J.M.I Page | 8

Research Methodology a chance of selection. This random element is its greatest weakness and quota versus probability has been a matter of controversy for many years. 6) Convenience sampling/ snowball sampling: Convenience sampling (sometimes known as grab or opportunity sampling) is a type of no probability sampling which involves the sample being drawn from that part of the population which is close to hand. That is, a population is selected because it is readily available and convenient. It may be through meeting the person or including a person in the sample when one meets them or chosen by finding them through technological means such as the internet or through phone. The researcher using such a sample cannot scientifically make generalizations about the total population from this sample because it would not be representative enough. 7) Panel sampling: Panel sampling is the method of first selecting a group of participants through a random sampling method and then asking that group for the same information again several times over a period of time. Therefore, each participant is given the same survey or interview at two or more time points; each period of data collection is called a "wave". This longitudinal samplingmethod allows estimates of changes in the population Precautions an investigator have to take in selection of sample for his/her research

Nature and quality of the research Availability of auxiliary information about units on the frame Accuracy requirements, and the need to measure accuracy Whether detailed analysis of the sample is expected Cost/operational concerns

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