Comprehension Questions

What is not research?

Some assume that research is collecting data—copying down information from books/internet about
a certain topic. You can’t call copying & putting all data/information together a research. Research is a
systematic way/process in order to find out the meaning & truth of a particular topic, thus increasing
the Researcher’s knowledge.

What is the importance of research in Architecture? 

Research plays a vital role in architecture since it is an ever evolving discipline. Research helps in
learning and development of an architecture student, and even professionals. In design an architect
needs to incorporate research element. If the research is flawed, then the design will also be flawed. An
effective research will always yield a good design. A good example is the method & works of the ever
famous architectural firm Zaha Hadid Architects. We are at an era where technology is essential,
researching and understanding the potential of new technological design & architectural representation
can give a large competitive advantage.

Cite at least 1 difference between Qualitative and Quantitative research, explain in your own words?

Qualitative approach is a research paradigm that focuses on achieving a thorough understanding with
no set hypothesis beforehand, answers to “who? What? How? When? Why?”. And since it has no
particular hypothesis, qualitative makes hypothesis from data/information collected. Usually done
through observation that focuses on quality of a phenomenon, meanings, descriptions, and data that
can’t be quantified (measured).

While Quantitative approach formulates hypothesis and test them, answers to “How much? How often?
Difference & Relationship”. The hypothesis is the core of this approach, thus aiming to test and get
results based on it. Usually done through observation that focuses on quantity of an occurrence, facts,
behavior, and data that can be quantified (measured).

How is statistics utilized in architectural research?

To apply statistics in architecture, architects must collect as much data as possible. Gathering data from
the clients/sources is needed. These date can be about energy usage, plumbing, user experience,
preferred color theme, common furniture, in fashion design, and etc. We often rely on statistics, if there
is enough data then maximizing the useful space is easy. For example, your client is a commissioned
police officer, one must take note of the user relations as well as his job nature as an indication to
maximize the design. Let say that a statistics suggest that 69% of police officers don't spend most of
their day at home. Considering this statistic, then an appropriate approach is trivial living room design,
while focusing on bedroom aesthetics, and vice versa if data is inverted. The possible benefits of using
statistical procedures will promote and help us in “learning as we go” which is appropriate for us as an
architect.

In your own words explain the data collection process in Qualitative and Quantitative research.

Qualitative approach uses procedures such as interviews, focus groups, ethnography, and literature
review.

Interviews – this procedure is conducted verbally to respondents. The scheme is to ask open-
ended questions/questions that cannot be responded by simple Yes or No. This requires the
participant to pause, deliberate, and answer based on their outlook. Examples are: Why did you
choose Architecture? How did taking Architecture in BISCAST shape you as an individual? Tell
me about your least preferred part about the webinar. And similar things.

Focus Groups – this is when a group of people are gathered discussing opinions, beliefs,
perceptions idea, attitudes, and etc. All participating members can share data & information
about the research. Simply put this is like a group interview conducted by moderator,
participant and observer. For example, a group of students are to provide feedback about a
product sample, design concept, education, health, and etc.

Ethnography – a method where the researcher interacts/observe with the participants or its
community for an ample period of time. This is to know their culture and behavior. The
interaction with Aeta’s and other native tribes, outreach program, social media and the like are
considered to be ethnographic.

Literature review – make use of surveys books, scholarly articles, theory and any other sources
relevant to your research. By doing this you will be provided with a summary and evaluation of
works related to the topic being studied. The procedure is to find the literature most
appropriate to your topic. Always use your own words, or quote phrases if you’re using it as it is.
This is a critical method where if done in a sloppy way, one could end up plagiarizing other
researchers work.

While Quantitative approach uses observation, experiment, and surveys.

Observation – the data collection process in which subjects are observe within their natural
environment. This means that there are uncontrollable variables present, and information
collected is measured with numbers. An example of this is “the number/percentage of first year
students are going to continue their studies despite receiving failing grades”. The result on this
can be measured or quantified.

Experiment – here variables are controlled to create cause-and-effect relationship. Randomized

Surveys – in this method questionnaire of close-ended/ multiple choice/Yes or No, are handed
out to participants. Surveys asks questions to a sample of respondents, questionnaire, polls,
survey, etc. are used to gain information. Questions like: Are you financially stable? Did the
webinar relay the message clearly? Do you have access to internet? And similar things.