Chapter Three

Research Method

3.0 Introduction

The organised framework directing the methodical examination of the research goals
is the research approach employed for this study on "Investigating the Viability of
Mixed-use Building or Sustainable and Affodable Urba Housing in the UK.” This
section explains the method used to gather and analyse data to thoroughly explore
mixed-used building typology as an affordable and sustainable urban housing
alternative to resolve the housing problem in the United Kingdom. The methodology
that is in line with this research is outlined in this part, laying the groundwork for
perceptive conclusions and significant consequences.

However, to achieve this, it is necessary to have a plan, as a plan will allow for
proper and comprehensive data gathering while also minimising the possibility of
errors during the research. In gathering data for research Saunders, Lewis and
Thornhill (2015) in their research onion specify a step-by-step approach to data
collection. Thus, this research follows a step-by-step approach as provided by
Saunders, Lewis and Thornhill (2015) in determining the method to be adopted for
the collection and analysis of data.
3.1 Research Phlosophy

The pursuit of answering certain questions, often known as research questions, can
be tackled while engaging in research activities using a variety of approaches,
instruments, and philosophical stances. The fundamental approach to conducting
research is embodied by research philosophy, which specifies the procedures for
gathering, analysing, and interpreting data (Saunders, 2012). The four main research
philosophies that may be identified in this situation are pragmatism, positivism,
realism, and interpretivism. To address problems in the actual world, pragmatism
emphasises the usefulness of research in this regard. On the other hand, Realists
push scientists to find outright facts because they believe the world has an
independent reality separate from human perspectives. Interpretivism emphasises
understanding the ideas and experiences of the studied topics while acknowledging
the subjective aspect of reality (Rehman & Alharthi, 2016).

Out of all these philosophies, the positivist paradigm best fits the goals of the current
study. Positivist research philosophy is the appropriate choice for this research
because it seeks to explore objective, quantifiable data related to housing supply,
affordability, and sustainability in the UK. Given the need for empirical evidence and
statistical analysis to address these complex issues, a positivist approach aligns with
the research's aim to investigate housing shortages, affordability, and maintenance
using concrete data and facts, ultimately contributing to evidence-based policy and
urban planning.

3.2 Research Approach

The research approach is a fundamental aspect of any study, determining how

research questions are addressed and data collected and analysed based on the
researcher's philosophical beliefs about reality and knowledge production (Mauthner,
2020). Saunder identified three primary research philosophies which are deduction,
induction, and abduction (Saunders, Lewis and Thornhill, 2015).

The inductive approach, commonly used in qualitative research, involves the

generation of theories and concepts through a comprehensive analysis of secondary
data (Chetty, 2016). This process entails extracting meaningful patterns and themes
from the data without overly relying on predefined analytical techniques for
interpretation.

Conversely, the deductive approach is commonly employed in quantitative research

to test hypotheses using statistical analysis (Chetty, 2016). It typically begins with
formulating a theoretical framework or idea, subsequently subjected to empirical
testing through collected data.

Abduction on the other hand is about discovering new concepts, ideas and
explanations by finding surprising phenomena, data, or events that cannot be
explained by pre-existing knowledge (Kennedy 2018). In choosing a research
approach, the research philosophy must be considered, as each research
philosophy has an approach to theory development it resonates with, and for
positivism research philosophy it is typically deductive, as positivism involves highly
structured large samples. As such, the theoretical framework for this research study
will be deductive. A deductive research approach is appropriate choice for this
research because it begins with a well-established theory or framework related to
mixed-use buildings, affordability, and sustainability. The research objectives are
designed to test and validate this existing theoretical foundation. Starting with a
deductive approach allows for a structured and hypothesis-driven investigation,
aligning with the need to evaluate the viability of mixed-use buildings as a
sustainable and affordable urban housing solution in the UK based on established
principles and knowledge.

3.3 Methodological Choice

According to Sileyew (2019), the methodology determines how researchers do their

investigations. It outlines how researchers conceptualise their problems and goals
for their research and delivers the conclusions they have drawn from the evidence
gathered during the study. The intentional selection of a framework or strategy that
directs the research trajectory and helps meet the research questions and goals is
what is meant by the term "methodological choice," which refers to the choosing of a
methodological approach (Chetty, 2016). Researchers might consider various
methodological options depending on the nature of the research topic, the questions
they hope to answer, and the goals they hope to achieve. The three most common
types are qualitative, quantitative, and mixed approaches (Chetty, 2016).

The qualitative method is concerned with understanding the meaning of a

phenomenon through the process of “emerging questions and procedures, data
typically collected in the participant’s setting, data analysis inductively building from
particulars to general themes, and the researcher making interpretations of the
meaning of the data” (Sage, 2020). Quantitative methodology, on the other hand,
involve researching a phenomenon by gathering numerical data. The resultant effect
of the phenomenon is determined by an event of figures “his method enables the
researcher to use numbers in statistical tests to ensure that the results have a
statistical relationship, and uses numbers to explain their findings” (Techo, 2016).
The mixed method involves a combination of both qualitative and quantitative
research methodologies in examining or determining a research phenomenon
(Techo, 2016).

In selecting a methodological choice a researcher does not just make a scale for any
research methodology as there are also guiding factors towards the selection of the
research methodology, and one necessary factor is, the research philosophy
selected for research, including the approach to theory development, which governs
the nature of research methodology to be selected (Saunders, Lewis and Thornhill,
2015).

This research is hinged on the positivist research philosophy, and factors in a

deductive approach, the mixed method is soothed for the research. A mixed-
methods research approach is the most appropriate choice for this study because it
allows for a comprehensive investigation of the complex issue of mixed-use
buildings' viability for sustainable and affordable urban housing in the UK. By
combining qualitative and quantitative data collection and analysis, it enables a
deeper understanding of the multifaceted challenges, factors, and dynamics involved
in this research. Qualitative methods can capture nuanced insights from
stakeholders, while quantitative methods can provide statistical evidence and trends,
leading to a more holistic and robust research outcome.

3.4 Research Strategy

A research strategy acts as a detailed road map for the methodical conduct of a
research investigation (Johannesson & Perjons, 2014). The best research
methodologies, approaches, and procedures must be carefully chosen for data
collection and analysis.

For this research, the nonexperimental design specifically the survey design will be
adopted. A survey research design allows for gathering of “numerical description of
trends attitudes, or opinions of a population by studying a sample of that population”
(Sage, 2020). A survey can factor in both cross-sectional and longitudinal studies
using a questionnaire or structured interview. However, for this research,
questionnaires will be used to carry out the research. A questionnaire design is a
method of carrying out a survey that involves questions or items to gather data from
particular respondents on or about their view of a particular subject matter, it can
also involve gathering feedback (Bhandari, 2021).

A survey research strategy is the appropriate choice for this research due to its
ability to efficiently gather data from a large and diverse population, providing
insights into public perceptions, preferences, and needs related to mixed-use
buildings, affordable housing, and sustainability in the UK. This method allows for
structured data collection, enabling statistical analysis and the identification of trends
and patterns, which are essential for addressing the multifaceted issues of urban
housing in the UK.

3.5 Time horizon

The research design for this study is a cross-sectional survey design. A cross-
sectional survey design is a research design that involves collecting data from
groups of individuals at a single point in time, to compare specific outcome or
variable of interest (Sekaran & Bougie, 2016).

A cross-sectional time horizon is the appropriate choice for this research because it
allows for a snapshot analysis of the current state of mixed-use buildings for
sustainable and affordable urban housing in the UK. This approach enables the
examination of various factors, such as housing availability, affordability, and
environmental sustainability, at a specific point in time, providing valuable insights
into the present challenges and opportunities in the urban housing sector.

3.6 Technique and Procedure

The method of research technique is the overall approach to research design,

sampling data gathering, analysis and ethical consideration (Hassan, 2022). The
research technique and procedure for this study will involve understanding the
sampling and sample size, data collection, data analysis and ethical considerations
to be involved in the research.

3.6.1 Data Collection

[Link] Data Collection Method (Qualitative)

The principal method that will be employed for data collection for the qualitative
aspect of the research is document analysis. Document analysis involves the
examination and analysis of existing documents, such as scholarly articles, industry
reports, and case studies. These secondary data sources will be relied on to gather
information and insights related to mixed-use structures and their applicability to
sustainable and affordable urban housing solutions.
Data Sources: The secondary data sources for this study include:

 Scholarly articles
 Government reports
 Industry reports
 Case studies
 News articles

[Link] Data Collection Process

The data collection process will follow the PRISMA flow for systematic review, which
involves different phases of systematic review. It maps out the number of records
identified, included and excluded, and the reasons for exclusions.

Systematic Search: A systematic search will be conducted across various

databases, including academic databases, industry publications, government-owned
official websites, and reputable online platforms. This search aims to identify relevant
documents that provide insights into mixed-use structures and their potential for
urban housing solutions.

Selection Criteria: Strict selection criteria aligned with the research objectives will be
applied during the document selection process. This ensures that only the most
relevant and high-quality sources are included in the analysis.

[Link] Data Collection Method (Quantitative)

For quantitative data collection, this aspect will involve the use of a survey via
questionnaire administration. The survey method will enable the direct gathering of
data about mixed-use buildings, knowledge of them, and people's experiences and
feelings about them.

[Link] Sample Selection

The sample for this study will primarily focus on a diverse range of urban areas
within the United Kingdom, encompassing metropolitan cities and suburban regions.
A stratified random sampling technique will be employed to ensure a comprehensive
representation of urban locales with varying geographical and socio-economic
characteristics.

[Link] Sampling Size

To ensure that the study has sufficient statistical power to detect meaningful effects.
A minimum of 100 participants, specifically residents of urban areas, will be targeted.

[Link] Participants and Recruitment Methods

Participants will include Individuals living in mixed-use buildings, as well as those

residing in traditional housing. They will provide insights into their housing
experiences and preferences.

Participants will be recruited through online survey, precisely CU Online survey

platform which is the institution approved platform for conducting online survey.
Residents will be invited to participate in online surveys distributed through social
media and relevant online forums. By “residents” in the context of this research;
residents include individuals living in urban areas, particularly those residing in
mixed-use buildings and traditional housing within the United Kingdom.

[Link] Confidentiality

To ensure confidentiality, several measures will be taken. First, the importance of

confidentiality and data protection in the recruitment process will be communicated
to potential participants. The details will include; statement emphasizing the secure
handling of their personal information and research data. Second, participants will be
informed that their responses will be anonymized and aggregated to protect their
identity, personal information that can directly identify them as participant of the
research will not be publish along other details of the research. Additionally, the
platform for data collection and storage will be secure. Lastly, all applicable data
protection laws and regulations will be followed to ensure the privacy and
confidentiality of participants throughout the study.

[Link] Activities and time commitment

The following data collection activities will be conducted:

Residents (individuals living in urban areas, particularly those residing in mixed-use
buildings and traditional housing within the United Kingdom) will complete online
surveys that include questions about their housing experiences, preferences, and
perceptions of mixed-use buildings. Participants will be given ample time to complete
surveys or participate, as participants will be requested to answer the survey
questionnaire, which will take approximately 10–15 minutes.

3.6.2 Data Analysis Technique

[Link] Qualitative

Thematic Analysis: Thematic analysis is the chosen approach for data analysis in
this study. Thematic analysis involves identifying, coding, and organising meaningful
themes within the collected data. It is a systematic process that helps in uncovering
patterns and insights within the documents.

Once the data has been analysed using thematic analysis, the study will present its
findings and conclusions. The aim is to provide a comprehensive understanding of
the key findings related to mixed-use structures and their potential for sustainable
and affordable urban housing solutions.

[Link] Quantitative

Quantitative data collected through surveys will be analysed using statistical

software (e.g., SPSS). Descriptive statistics, such as means, frequencies, and
percentages, will be used to summarise demographic information and responses to
closed-ended questions. Inferential statistical tests, such as correlation analysis and
regression analysis, will be conducted to examine relationships and associations
between variables, including housing preferences and affordability factors.
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