Research Methodology
Snr.Lctr.Dr.Mubarak.M.Osman ,PhD (Arch),M-Tech (Arch), B-Tech(Arch)
Module 01
Meaning of Research
Definition:
Research is a systematic and disciplined inquiry that aims to
discover, interpret, and expand knowledge in a specific field
of study.
It is a process of investigation that goes beyond mere
observation or gathering of information.
Research involves formulating research questions or
hypotheses (A research hypothesis is a clear, testable statement
predicting the relationship between two or more variables. In
architectural research, it helps guide your study by proposing
how a specific design element, material, technique, or
environmental factor affects a certain outcome or performance),
designing methodologies, collecting and analyzing data, and
drawing meaningful conclusions.
Continue
Key Elements of Research:
1. Systematic – It follows a structured approach or
method.
2. Objective – It aims to be unbiased and based on
evidence.
3. Investigative – It involves inquiry, exploration, and
deep study.
4. Purpose-driven – Conducted to discover new
knowledge, validate existing theories, or solve
practical issues.
Example Definitions:
• Oxford Dictionary:
“The systematic investigation into and study of materials
and sources in order to establish facts and reach new
conclusions.”
• Creswell (2009):
“Research is a process of steps used to collect and analyze
information to increase our understanding of a topic or
issue.”
• Simple Example:
• A student conducting research on the effects of urban heat
islands in Kigali is gathering data, reviewing literature, and
analyzing temperature variations to understand the issue and
suggest solutions.
What is Architectural Research?
Architectural research is a systematic
process of inquiry aimed at expanding
knowledge about the built environment,
architecture, and the processes, materials, and
social factors that shape it.
It helps architects, designers, and planners
develop better design solutions, inform policy,
improve sustainability, and respond to cultural,
technological, and environmental challenges.
Continue
Architectural research involves the investigation,
study, and analysis of architectural phenomena
(Architectural phenomena refer to observable
experiences, events, or conditions in the built
environment that can be studied, analyzed, or
interpreted to better understand how architecture
affects people, space, and culture), concepts,
methods, and practices to inform, critique, or
improve architectural design and theory.
Examples of Architectural Phenomena:
1. Light Filtering Through a Mashrabiya Screen
→ A cultural and visual phenomenon affecting light, privacy, and
heat.
2. Thermal Comfort in Adobe Houses
→ An environmental phenomenon shaped by material and
climate.
3. Sacredness in Religious Architecture
→ A psychological and spatial phenomenon created by height,
symmetry, and ritual layout.
4. Sound Absorption in a Concert Hall
→ An acoustic phenomenon depending on form and materials.
5. Movement and Flow in Open-Plan Offices
→ A spatial and social phenomenon influencing behavior and
collaboration.
Key Characteristics of Architectural
Research:
1. Design-Oriented – Often centered around solving real-
world design problems.
2. Interdisciplinary – Draws knowledge from art,
engineering, sociology, environmental studies, and more.
3. Contextual – Considers location, culture, climate, and
social needs.
4. Evidence-Based – Uses data (quantitative or qualitative)
to justify decisions or understand phenomena.
5. Reflective – Encourages critical reflection on architectural
practices and theories.
Types of Architectural Research:
Type Description
Explores ideas, history, or philosophies
Theoretical Research
of architecture.
Uses design as a method of inquiry or
Design-Based Research
solution.
Investigates materials, construction
Technical/Material Research
systems, or performance.
Focuses on sustainability, climate
Environmental Research
response, and bioclimatic architecture.
Studies how people interact with spaces
Social/Behavioral Research
and buildings.
Investigates the history of buildings,
Historical Research
styles, architects, or movements.
Example Topics in Architectural Research:
• The impact of passive cooling in tropical residential
architecture
• Preservation techniques for heritage mud buildings
in Mali
• The role of urban design in reducing crime in public
spaces
• Evaluating daylight performance in modern office
buildings
• Integrating local materials in sustainable housing
projects
Continue
Research has to be an original contribution to
the existing stock of knowledge.
Thus Research involves
Pronouncing the problem.
Formulating the hypothesis.
Collecting data/ facts/information.
Analyzing the data/ facts/ information.
Continue
Example:
Problem: CO2- Traffic Jam is a health hazard-
Hypothesis – within tolerable limit.
Collecting CO2 data through a sampling Procedure.
Analyzing data whether within tolerable limit.
Making Conclusion.
Why is Architectural Research Important?
Enhances design quality and innovation
Supports sustainable and climate-resilient building
Preserves cultural and historical values
Improves human experience in built environments
Informs public policy and architectural education
Objectives of Research
To achieve new insights into a phenomenon.
To know about the existing phenomenon.
To know extent of a cause or effect variables.
To establish relationship between variables.
Motivation of Research:
What makes people undertake research
Desiring solution to the problem/ hazard.
Desire to do a social / national / organizational
service.
Inner satisfaction of a creative job.
Types of Research
Fundamental Research Methods:
Research methods refer to systematic
approaches used to explore theories, develop
concepts, or understand phenomena without an
immediate practical application. The main goal
is to expand knowledge rather than solve
specific real-world problems.
1. Experimental Research
This method involves manipulating one
variable (independent) to observe the effect
on another (dependent), usually under
controlled conditions.
Example:
A psychologist tests how different levels of
sleep affect memory performance by assigning
participants to different sleep durations.
2. Descriptive Research
Used to describe characteristics of a
population, situation, or phenomenon. It
doesn’t answer how, when, or why something
happens, just what exists.
Example:
A survey is conducted to determine the
average number of hours university students
study per week.
3. Correlational Research
This examines the relationship between two
or more variables to see if they move
together, without establishing causality.
Example:
Studying whether there's a relationship
between students’ attendance and their
academic performance.
4. Historical Research
Uses existing data (documents, records,
artifacts) to study past events to understand
their causes or impacts.
Example:
Analyzing ancient manuscripts to understand
the development of architectural styles in
ancient Egypt.
5. Qualitative Research
Explanation:
Focuses on non-numerical data like words,
texts, and observations to understand
meanings, experiences, or concepts.
Example:
Interviewing teachers to explore their
perceptions of online learning during the
COVID-19 pandemic.
6. Quantitative Research
Explanation:
Involves collecting and analyzing numerical data to
find patterns, test hypotheses, or make predictions.
Example:
Collecting test scores from 500 students to analyze
the effectiveness of a new teaching method.
7.Case Study Method
. Explanation:
An in-depth investigation of a single
individual, group, or event to explore causes
and outcomes in detail.
Example:
Studying the recovery process of a single
patient after brain surgery to understand the
role of therapy in rehabilitation.
8. Comparative Research
Explanation:
Compares two or more cases or groups to
draw conclusions about similarities and
differences.
Example:
Comparing education systems of Finland and
the U.S. to understand which policies lead to
better student outcomes.
Significance of Research
“ Doubt is often better than overconfidence as doubt
leads to enquiry and enquiry leads to invention”.
“ Research teaches scientific and inductive thinking
(is a logical process that involves forming
generalizations based on specific observations
and experiences) that promotes development of
logical thinking”.
Continue
Research provides the basis of all government
/international policies.
Research is used for solving various problems of
Businesses, NGOs, Societies etc.
Research Methods and Research
Methodology
Research methods refer to use of instruments for a research technique
Example:
Type of Research Methods of Technique of Research
Research
Quantitative Field Researcher uses open and
research Questionnaire close ended questions.
Researcher selects a
Focus group particular group for the
Discussion detailed discussion.
Cont..
Research methodology is a way to systemically solve the
research problem.
Research methodology has a broader dimension than research
methods.
Elements of Research Methodology are:
Defining objective.
Reviewing Literature.
Formulating Hypothesis.
Designing sample.
Collecting data.
Analyzing of data.
Arriving at conclusions.
Criteria of good Research
The objective of the research clearly defined.
The research methodology used should be described in sufficient
detail to permit another researcher to repeat the research for
further advancement.
The sampling design should be such as to yield least error.
The writing should be done with complete frankness – nothing
which has bearing on the result should be hidden.
The validity and reliability of data as a well as calculations should
be re-checked to avoid mistakes.
Conclusions should be confined to those justified by data and
Analysis.
Researcher should be a person of integrity.
Common Research Problems in most
African Countries
1.Lack of Funds
•Explanation: There is limited financial support for research
activities, which restricts data collection, publication, and
fieldwork.
•Impact: Fewer quality studies, outdated methods, and
limited access to journals or software.
2.Lack of Facilities
•Explanation: Many research institutions lack proper labs,
equipment, libraries, and internet access.
•Impact: Reduces the ability to conduct scientific and
technical research effectively.
Continue
3.Lack of Trained Personnel
•Explanation: There is a shortage of qualified researchers and skilled
staff.
•Impact: Limits innovation, mentorship, and the production of quality
academic work.
4.Political Interference
•Explanation: Government policies or censorship (control) can restrict
research topics or influence findings.
•Impact: Researchers may avoid sensitive subjects (e.g., politics, human
rights).
5.Lack of Motivation
•Explanation: Due to low pay, recognition, or poor working conditions,
many researchers lack passion or interest.
•Impact: Leads to reduced productivity and research output.
6.Language Barrier
•Explanation: English or French, the primary languages of
international research, may not be well understood.
•Impact: Limits access to global research and reduces
publication opportunities.
7.Lack of Time
•Explanation: Academics often have teaching or
administrative duties, leaving little time for research.
•Impact: Results in shallow or incomplete studies.
8.Lack of Government Support
Explanation: Limited government investment or interest in
research and development.
Impact: Research becomes donor-dependent and
unsustainable.
Solutions Could Include:
Increasing national research budgets
Building partnerships with international institutions
Training and retaining researchers
Promoting open access to research tools and
publications
Thank you
