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Keywords
Research, Methodology, Qualitative techniques, Quantitative techniques
Abstract
Built environment research consists of cognitive and affective, as well as behavioural, components. Existing built environment research utilises either strong qualitative or, more often, strong quantitative methodologies. Aims to discuss some of the philosophical issues that would be considered when undertaking academic research into the built environment. Considers the available research options or paradigms and suggests ways in which a researcher can make an informed and sensible decision as to how to proceed. The main dimensions of the debate about the relative characteristics and merits of quantitative and qualitative methodology are outlined, developing the argument that the use of a single methodology often fails to explore all of these components. The use of a mixed methods approach is suggested to counteract this weakness and to enhance research into the built environment.
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Nature of research in the field of built environment
A discipline or profession is established by developing a body of knowledge which is unique - that body of knowledge is produced through research. Construction and the built environment (BE) draw on a wide variety of established subjects/disciplines, including natural sciences, social sciences, engineering and management. These are then applied to the particular BE context and requirements (Fellows and Liu, 1997). Only by the use of appropriate methodologies and methods of research applied with rigour can the body of knowledge for BE be established and advanced with confidence.
The approach adopted in this paper is to outline the process of research in BE, to undertake initial discussion on epistemological issues, to discuss types of research methods available within the field and appropriate data analysis techniques available. Conclusions are then drawn from this body of evidence and discussion.
Research and research methods
Although research is important in both business and academic activities, there is no consensus in the literature on how it should be defined. One reason for this is that research means different things to different people. However, from the many different definitions offered there appears to be agreement that:
research is a process of...