P NOTES : Write in short about (29/01/2026)

1. Qualitative Research
Qualitative research is a research method used to understand human behavior, experiences,
opinions, and social phenomena through non-numerical data. It focuses on exploring the
meaning, interpretation, and depth of a particular issue rather than measuring it with
numbers.

• Qualitative research deals with descriptive data such as words, images, observations,
and narratives rather than statistics or numerical values.
• The main objective of qualitative research is to understand why and how people
behave, think, or react in a particular way.
• It focuses on gaining deep insights into human experiences, emotions, beliefs,
motivations, and cultural patterns.
• Researchers collect data using methods such as interviews, focus group discussions,
participant observation, field notes, and open-ended questionnaires.
• The research process is usually flexible and exploratory, allowing researchers to
modify questions or methods during the study.
• Qualitative research often involves small sample sizes, but the information collected
is detailed and rich in meaning.
• The data collected is analyzed by identifying themes, patterns, and relationships
within the responses.
• It is widely used in fields such as sociology, psychology, anthropology, education,
and architecture.
• In architecture and urban studies, qualitative research helps understand user
behavior, spatial experience, emotional responses to spaces, and comfort levels in
buildings.
• For example, architects may conduct interviews with building occupants to
understand how people perceive lighting, acoustics, circulation, or social spaces.
• Qualitative research is useful for studying complex social issues and real-life
situations that cannot be measured easily with numbers.
• One major advantage is that it provides detailed and in-depth understanding of a
subject.
• However, the results of qualitative research may sometimes be subjective and
difficult to generalize to larger populations.
• The researcher’s interpretation can also influence the findings, which is considered a
limitation of this method.
• Despite these limitations, qualitative research plays an important role in
understanding human-centered design and social aspects of the built environment.

Overall, qualitative research helps researchers and designers gain deep insights into human
experiences and interactions, which is essential for creating user-friendly and socially
responsive environments.

2. Experimental Research
Experimental research is a scientific research method used to study the cause-and-effect
relationship between variables. In this method, researchers deliberately manipulate one
variable to observe how it affects another variable.

• Experimental research is based on the principle of controlled testing and

observation.
• The variable that is changed or manipulated by the researcher is called the
independent variable.
• The variable that is measured or observed as a result of the change is called the
dependent variable.
• This research method usually involves two groups: an experimental group and a
control group.
• The experimental group receives the treatment or change, while the control group
remains unchanged for comparison.
• By comparing the results of both groups, researchers can determine whether the
independent variable caused any change.
• Experimental research is usually conducted in a controlled environment such as
laboratories or controlled field settings.
• The researcher carefully controls external factors to ensure accurate and reliable
results.
 • The process typically includes formulating a hypothesis, designing the experiment,
collecting data, analyzing results, and drawing conclusions.

• The data collected is generally quantitative and measurable, allowing statistical

analysis.
• Experimental research is widely used in science, medicine, psychology, engineering,
and environmental studies.
• In architecture and building science, experimental research may involve testing
building materials, analyzing structural performance, studying thermal
insulation, or measuring acoustic properties of spaces.
• For example, researchers may test different glazing materials to measure their
effect on daylight penetration and indoor temperature.
• One major advantage of experimental research is that it provides clear evidence of
cause-and-effect relationships.
• It is considered one of the most reliable and systematic research methods.
• However, experiments can sometimes be expensive, time-consuming, and difficult
to conduct in real-life conditions.
• Another limitation is that highly controlled environments may not fully represent
real-world situations.

Despite these limitations, experimental research is essential for developing scientific

knowledge, testing innovations, and improving design performance.

3. Historic and Archival Research

Historic and archival research is a method used to study past events, historical records, and
existing documents in order to understand the development of ideas, cultures, and systems
over time.

• This research method focuses on analyzing existing sources of information rather

than collecting new data.
• Researchers study historical materials such as books, manuscripts, letters, maps,
photographs, newspapers, official records, and architectural drawings.
• These materials are usually obtained from libraries, archives, museums, and digital
databases.
 • The main aim of historical research is to understand how past events and
developments influence the present.
• Researchers carefully examine the authenticity, reliability, and credibility of
historical sources before using them.
• The research process involves collecting, verifying, analyzing, and interpreting
historical data.
• Historic and archival research is widely used in history, archaeology, cultural
studies, and architecture.
• In architecture, it helps study traditional building techniques, historical
architectural styles, and the evolution of urban planning.
• It also plays an important role in heritage conservation and restoration projects.
• For example, architects may study old drawings and documents to restore historic
monuments accurately.
• This research method also helps identify traditional climate-responsive design
strategies used in the past.
• By understanding historical development, architects and planners can learn from
traditional knowledge and apply it in modern design.
• One advantage of historical research is that it provides valuable insights into
cultural heritage and architectural evolution.
• However, it may sometimes be limited by incomplete records, biased historical
accounts, or missing documentation.
• Interpreting historical data also requires careful analysis and critical thinking.

Overall, historic and archival research helps researchers understand the development of
architecture, cities, and societies over time, which is important for heritage preservation
and informed design decisions.
4. Correlation Research
Correlation research is a research method used to study the relationship between two or
more variables to determine whether they are associated or connected.

• The primary aim of correlation research is to identify patterns or relationships

between variables.
• Unlike experimental research, correlation research does not manipulate variables.
• Researchers simply observe and measure variables as they naturally occur.
• The strength and direction of the relationship are measured using a correlation
coefficient.
• The correlation coefficient ranges from –1 to +1.
• A positive correlation means that both variables increase or decrease together.
• A negative correlation means that one variable increases while the other decreases.
• A zero correlation means there is no relationship between the variables.
• Data in correlation research is usually quantitative and analyzed using statistical
techniques.
• Tools such as graphs, scatter plots, and statistical formulas are used to study
relationships.
• Correlation research is widely used in social sciences, economics, psychology,
environmental studies, and urban planning.
• In architecture, correlation research can be used to analyze relationships between
building design and occupant comfort, daylight levels and productivity, or green
spaces and mental well-being.
• For example, researchers may study whether increased natural lighting improves
work efficiency in office spaces.
• One advantage of correlation research is that it helps identify important
relationships and patterns that may lead to further research.
• It is also useful when experiments are not practical or ethical to conduct.
• However, a major limitation is that correlation does not prove causation.
• Even if two variables are related, it does not necessarily mean that one variable
causes the other.
5. Case Study Research
Case study research involves the detailed examination of a specific subject, project,
building, organization, or phenomenon over a certain period of time.

• The main objective of case study research is to gain deep and comprehensive
understanding of a real-life situation.
• It focuses on studying a single case or a small number of cases in detail.
• Researchers collect information from multiple sources such as interviews, site
observations, documents, photographs, drawings, and reports.
• This method allows researchers to analyze complex issues within their real-world
context.
• Case studies are widely used in architecture, business management, sociology, and
education.
• In architecture, case study research is commonly used to analyze important
buildings, urban projects, or design strategies.
• For example, students may conduct a case study of a museum, hospital, university
campus, or office building.
• The study may include analysis of site context, building form, spatial organization,
circulation patterns, materials, and environmental strategies.
• Case studies help understand how theoretical concepts are applied in practical
situations.
• They also provide insights into design innovation, sustainability strategies, and
user experience.
• Case study research often includes visual documentation such as plans, sections,
photographs, and diagrams.
• One major advantage is that it provides rich, detailed, and context-specific
information.
• However, the findings of a case study may not always be generalized to other
situations or projects.
• Another limitation is that the research may sometimes depend heavily on the
researcher’s interpretation.

Despite these limitations, case study research is extremely useful for understanding real-
world design solutions and learning from successful projects.
6. Simulation Research
Simulation research involves creating models or virtual representations of real-world
systems in order to study their behavior under different conditions.

• Simulation research uses computer models, mathematical models, or digital

simulations to replicate real-world processes.
• It allows researchers to test different scenarios and predict possible outcomes
without performing physical experiments.
• This method is widely used in engineering, architecture, transportation planning,
and environmental studies.
• In architecture, simulation research helps analyze building performance before
construction.
• Common simulations in architecture include daylight analysis, energy performance
modeling, airflow simulation, thermal comfort analysis, and acoustic
simulations.
• These simulations are performed using specialized software and computational
tools.
• Simulation research helps architects evaluate design efficiency, environmental
performance, and sustainability strategies.
• For example, a designer can simulate how sunlight enters a building throughout
the year to optimize window placement and shading devices.
• It also helps test multiple design alternatives quickly and efficiently.
• One major advantage is that simulation research reduces cost, time, and risks
associated with real-life experiments.
• It allows researchers to analyze complex systems that would be difficult to study
physically.
• Simulation results help designers make informed decisions based on data and
predictions.
• However, the accuracy of simulation research depends on the quality of input data
and assumptions used in the model.
• If the model is incorrect or incomplete, the results may be unreliable.
7. Quantitative Research
Quantitative research is a research method that focuses on collecting and analyzing
numerical data to understand patterns, relationships, and measurable facts. It uses
statistical, mathematical, and computational techniques to study problems objectively.
This method is widely used in fields such as science, economics, engineering, social sciences,
and architecture because it provides accurate and measurable results.

• Quantitative research deals with numerical data and measurable variables rather
than descriptive or subjective information.
• The main objective of quantitative research is to measure, test, and analyze
relationships between variables using statistical methods.
• It is used to answer questions such as how much, how many, how often, or to what
extent a phenomenon occurs.
• Researchers usually begin with a research question or hypothesis, which is then
tested through data collection and analysis.
• Data is collected using structured tools such as surveys, questionnaires,
experiments, structured observations, and statistical records.
• The collected data is then analyzed using statistical techniques, graphs, charts, and
mathematical models.
• Quantitative research often involves large sample sizes so that the results can
represent a broader population.
• The research process follows a systematic and structured approach, including
problem identification, hypothesis formulation, data collection, statistical analysis,
and interpretation of results.
• One key characteristic of quantitative research is objectivity, meaning the results are
not influenced by personal opinions or interpretations.
• This research method helps identify patterns, correlations, trends, and
relationships between variables.
• Quantitative research is commonly used in scientific studies, market research,
economic analysis, and performance evaluation.
• In architecture and urban studies, quantitative research may involve measuring
building energy consumption, analyzing occupancy data, studying daylight
levels, or evaluating thermal comfort in buildings.
• For example, an architect may conduct a quantitative study to measure how natural
lighting affects energy consumption in office buildings.
• The results of quantitative research are often presented through tables, graphs,
statistical reports, and numerical summaries.
• One major advantage of quantitative research is that it provides accurate, reliable,
and generalizable results.
• It allows researchers to compare data, test theories, and make predictions based
on measurable evidence.
• However, quantitative research may sometimes lack detailed explanations about
human behavior or emotions, which qualitative research can provide.
 Research Example in
Definition Type of Data Main Purpose Methods Used
Method Architecture
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