COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING, ARCHITECTURE AND
TECHNOLOGY
Bachelor of Science in Architecture
RMA 411: (RESEARCH METHODS FOR ARCHITECTURE)
Prepared by: Paul Justin A. Marcelino
Course & Year: BS Architecture – 4A
I. INTRODUCTION
Research is the cornerstone of knowledge advancement across all disciplines, from
the physical sciences to the humanities. It is a systematic and rigorous process of
inquiry designed to explore, describe, explain, or predict phenomena. A clear
understanding of research definitions, key terms, and its various classifications is
paramount for designing valid studies, critically evaluating existing literature, and
contributing meaningfully to a field of study. This paper delineates these fundamental
concepts to provide a structured framework for understanding the diverse landscape
of research methodologies.
II. DEFINITION OF RESEARCH
Research is defined as a systematic, empirical, and critical investigation into a
specific problem or question, with the aim of discovering new knowledge or validating
existing knowledge.
Systematic: It follows a structured, methodical process with clearly defined steps and
protocols to ensure reliability and reproducibility.
Empirical: It is based on observable evidence or experience collected through direct
or indirect observation or experimentation.
Critical: The process involves careful analysis and judgment, scrutinizing every
aspect of the research design, data collection, and interpretation of results.
III. KEY FUNDAMENTAL TERMS
Variable: A measurable characteristic that can assume different values (e.g., age,
income, test score, temperature).
Independent Variable (IV): The variable that is manipulated or changed by
the researcher to observe its effect.
Dependent Variable (DV): The variable that is measured; it is the outcome
that may change in response to the IV.
Hypothesis: A tentative, testable prediction about the expected relationship between
two or more variables.
Population: The entire group of individuals, events, or objects that the researcher
wishes to study.
Sample: A subset of the population selected for the actual research study.
Data: The pieces of information collected through various methods (e.g., survey
responses, interview transcripts, experimental measurements).
Methodology: The overall strategy and rationale behind the research project. It
encompasses the theoretical framework and the choice of methods.
Methods: The specific techniques and procedures used to collect and analyze data
(e.g., surveys, experiments, case studies).
IV. CLASSIFICATIONS OF RESEARCH
Research can be classified along several dimensions. The most common
classifications are based on purpose, nature of the data, and research approach.
4.1 Classification by Purpose
This classification answers the question: "Why is the research being conducted?"
Classification type Primary Goal Example
Basic (Pure or To expand the A study investigating the
Fundamental) Research fundamental base of genetic mechanisms
knowledge in a field behind protein folding in
without a specific practical yeast cells.
application in mind. It is
driven by curiosity or a
desire to understand.
Applied Research To solve a specific, Research to develop a
practical problem or to more efficient battery for
develop a solution for a electric vehicles.
real-world issue. It uses
theories and principles
established through basic
research.
Descriptive Research To systematically A census conducted by a
describe a situation, national government to
problem, phenomenon, or count the population and
population. It answers the gather demographic data.
"what," "who," "where,"
and "how" questions.
Explanatory (Causal) To explain the An experiment to
Research relationship between determine whether a new
variables and determine drug causes a reduction
cause-and-effect in symptoms of a disease.
dynamics. It answers the
"why" and "how"
questions.
Exploratory Research To explore a problem or Conducting focus groups
phenomenon that is not to understand public
yet clearly defined. It perception of a newly
helps in gaining initial proposed technology.
insights and familiarity.
4.2 Classification by nature of the data
This classification answers the question: "What type of data is collected and
analyzed?"
Classification type Description Example
Quantitative Research Involves collecting and A nationwide survey using
analyzing numerical data. a Likert scale to measure
It is used to quantify the customer satisfaction with
problem by generating a service
numerical data that can
be transformed into
usable statistics. It is
objective and focuses on
testing hypotheses.
Qualitative Research Involves collecting and In-depth interviews with
analyzing non-numerical cancer survivors to
data (e.g., text, video, understand their coping
audio). It is used to mechanisms.
understand concepts,
thoughts, opinions, and
experiences. It is
subjective and explores
ideas or formulates
hypotheses.
Mixed-Methods Research Integrates both A study on educational
quantitative and outcomes that uses test
qualitative data within a scores (quantitative) and
single study to provide a classroom observations
more complete (qualitative).
understanding of the
research problem.
4.3 Classification by research approach/strategy
This classification answers the question: "How is the research designed and
conducted?"
Classification type Description Example
Experimental Research The researcher actively Randomly assigning
manipulates the participants to either a
independent variable and treatment group (gets a
controls all other variables new tutoring program) or
to establish cause-and- a control group (gets
effect. standard tutoring) to
measure its effect on
math scores.
Non-Experimental The researcher observes Correlational: Measuring
Research phenomena without the relationship between
actively manipulating the daily social media use
variables. Used when and self-reported anxiety
manipulation is levels.
impossible or unethical.
Descriptive Survey: A
study to determine the
percentage of people who
vote in local elections.
Case Study: An intensive
study of a single
individual, group, or event
(e.g., a detailed study of a
company's successful
turnaround strategy).
V. CONCLUSION
Research is a multifaceted endeavor with a standardized lexicon and a structured set
of approaches. Understanding the definitions of core terms and the nuances of
different research classifications—by purpose, data type, and approach—is not a
mere academic exercise. It is a critical first step in crafting a rigorous and valid
research design. By carefully selecting the appropriate classification type (e.g.,
choosing applied over basic, or quantitative over qualitative), a researcher ensures
that their methods are aligned with their goals, thereby producing findings that are
credible, meaningful, and a valuable contribution to their field.
VI. REFERENCES
Creswell, J. W., & Creswell, J. D. (2018). Research Design: Qualitative, Quantitative,
and Mixed Methods Approaches (5th ed.). SAGE Publications.
Leedy, P. D., & Ormrod, J. E. (2019). Practical Research: Planning and Design (12th
ed.). Pearson.
Babbie, E. R. (2020). The Practice of Social Research (15th ed.). Cengage Learning.