Weekly outline
RESEARCH METHODS
Research Methods
Prof. Ir. Triatno Yudo Harjoko, M.Sc., Ph.D
SESSION 1- PROCESS OF COGNITION
Process of Cognition : Ontologi, epistemologi
Assignment # 1
To understand process of cognition Bochenski requires us to focus on a term with precisely established meanings about the world: we perceive, conceive and finally judge it.
Ontology – how we perceive and conceive the world: objective as well as subjective concept of forms? The what?
Epistemology – how do we know that we know? How do we judge that we know by means of propositions, namely, objective as well subjective proposition? The whatness?
How do we distinguish between acquisition and thinking?
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Reading materials
SESSION # 2 - IDEAS, TEXTS AND STYLES
Assignment # 2
Write an essay of 750 words which analyze writings of Tuan., Barnes & Duncan articles, Harvey & Hall's and based on the texts explain and uncover:
1. Their different styles of writing;
2. The relationship between persona & authority in tracing ideas
3. Transitional aspects and aspects in which the author leads, controls both attention and imagination;
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SESSION # 3 - FINDING RESEARCH QUESTIONS
Model, hypotheses & theory, research objectives
Assignment # 3
Write an essay of 750 words describing the concept of models, theories and hypotheses and their differences;
From the sources of Beveridge, Forcese & Richter and Creswell's writings, what are their research questions & describe the meaning of model concepts, theories and hypotheses, including their differences;
Analyze and present appropriate hypotheses, arguments and methods from articles by McCracken & Dustin, Carranza, and Seppanen & Fisk;
Summarize the statement of each research objective.
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Readings assignment # 3
SESSION # 4 RESEARCH ARGUMENT
Argumentative research writing is needed to support the position of a problem. Argumentative research writing is analytical writing, but it uses information as evidence to support the proposed points (for example, in legal cases).
When you develop your argument, you are ascertaining your position, building up the case that was put forward. Use empirical evidence (facts & statistics) to support your claim. Show the reader rational & logical thinking.
As a reader, you are asked to reveal the main points of thought that can be used as a structure of the research paper; how key words focus research analysis; how also we are able to assess confusing scientific writing.
ASSIGNMENT # 4
Write an essay of 750 words that summarizes three (3) first readings (Berg, Spence, and Becker) that includes the structure of thought and its arguments, then:
1. What is meant by the term argument? Why is this concept so important in revealing research results;
2. Reveal structural analysis & research arguments from readings 4, 5, 6, 7;
3. Identify the strengths & weaknesses of each method of argumentation
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SESSION # 5 FRAMING QUESTIONS
Why do we need to frame the question? Framing is a way to structure or present the context of a problem that the reader will reveal and understand. The reader is the key to how the problem is framed. The way the problem is raised, or framed must reflect the attitudes and beliefs of the readers.
Errors framing questions such as, multiple questions, erroneous dichotomies, fictional questions, using false, contradictory semantics etc.
Assignment # 5
Briefly describe
1. Fallacy of question framing
2. Setting research objectives (Research objectives)
3. Unexplained elements in a phenomenon
4. Prejudice in making arguments & their effects.
5. Write down briefly the problem that will be researched & formulate the research question.
Create an essay of 750 words that includes a summary of your reading and a short proposal of your research (problems, research questions, objectives).
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SESSION # 6 DATA & ANALISIS
Representations & Visuals
Assignment # 6
Write an essay of 500 words:
Summarize readings regarding data, analysis, representations;
Choose journal article that presents visual illustration in the analysis;
Discuss effectivity and limitation of the diagrams chosen
Reading # 6
Edward Tufte, The Visual Display of Quantitative Information, Graphics Press, 1983, pp. 13-51.
Edward Tufte, "Micro/Macro Readings" and "Layering and Separation," in Envisioning Information, Graphics Press, 1990, pp.37- 65.
Edward Tufte, "Visual and Thinking: Displays of Statistical Evidence for making Decisions," in Visual Explanations,Graphics Press, 1997, pp. 27-53.
Greg Myers, "Every Picture Tells a Story," in M. Lynch and S. Woolgar, eds., Representations in Scientific Practice, MIT Press, 1990, pp. 231-265.
John Berger, Ways of Seeing, Penguin, 1972, pp. 7-64.
Lisa Peattie, "Representations," in Planning, rethinking Ciudad Guayana, University of Michigan Press, 1987, pp. 111-152 .
SESSION # 7 LOGIC OF RESEARCH
Finding a method
Assignment # 7
Write essay of 500 words that discusses:
System of inquiry,
Mixed method,
Case Study Research,
Empirical research (Causation).
Reading # 7
Linda Groat, “Systems of Inquiry and Standards of Research Quality”, in Architectural Research Methods, John Wiley, 2013, Ch 3.
John W. Creswell, “Mixed Methods Procedures”, in Research Design: Qualitative, Quantitative and Mixed Methods Approaches, Sage Publications, 2003, pp.208-227
Robert K. Yin, Case Study Research: Design and Methods, Sage, 1984, pp. 13-54. CH 2.
David de Vaus, "Causation and the Logic of Research Design," and "Case Study Designs," in Research Design in Social Research, Sage, 2001, pp. 34-52; 219- 266. PART 1: Ch 3 & PART V: Ch 13, 14 & 15.
John Zeisel, "Research: Concepts. Hypotheses, Tests," in Inquiry by Design:Tools for Environrnent-Behavior Research, Brooks/Cole, 1981, pp. 18-31. Ch 2.
SESSION # 8 - CONTINUE ASSIGNMENT # 7
Continue assignment # 7 , discuss more in details especially in the research proposal and focus on framing questions, research objective and its subsequent methods.
ASSIGNMENT # 8
Write a document of your research thesis. Develop a research prospectus thesis of 1000 words (4 pages of double space). It consists of problem and purpose statement, conceptual framework, research questions, existing knowledge, research approach, data collection & analysis, expected contribution to knowledge,
The class may act as a peer-review committee to evaluate the proposals.
SESSION # 9 RESEARCH PROPOSAL
RESEARCH PROPOSAL
Justification of novelty. Basic assumptions: Paradigms and arguments in the context of particular fields.
Assignment # 9
Write an essay of 700-words that summarizes readings:
• From reading material 1 to 4 especially those related to a novelty of a paradigm shift
• After reading Prins & especially editorial responses, write criticisms of 750 words from the argument in a newly published paper or book to the editor of the Journal [Architecture], which puts your opinion and author's opinions in the context of the views of other authors on the same subject.
You can also survey book reviews in - Design Book Review. Choose new books & articles (published for a maximum of 1 year and are considered to have presented novelty or redefinition and contributed significantly to the old.
- READING SESSION # 9
- Karl Popper, "The Logic of Scientific Discovery," Harper & Row, pp 27-48. Ch.2.
- Thomas Kuhn, “The Structure of Scientific Revolution”, University of Chicago Press, 1973, pp. 1-22, 111-135.
- Philip Kitcher. "Persuasion," in Persuading Science, Marcello Pera and William R. Shea. eds., Science History Publications, 1991, pp. 3-27.
- Brager, G.S. and R.J. de Dear. "Historical and Cultural Influences on Comfort Expectations" in Buildings, Culture and Environment: Informing local and global practices, R. Cole and R. Lorsch (eds.), Blackwell Publishing, October 2003. Ch 11
- Gwyn Prins, "On Condis and Coolth," plus comments and rebuttal, Energy and Buildings, Vol. 18, No.3-4, 1992, pp. 251- 268.
SESSION # 10 RESEARCH DESIGN
RESEARCH DESIGN (Empirical, Quantitative data) : Observasi, test, model as instruments and measurement
Assignment # 10
You are asked to investigate the problems that were determined on week 8 using both the non-participant method and participants to gather information in the field:
Non-participant. Manage questionnaires for 10 individuals, without direct involvement.
Participant. Develop brief interview guidelines to investigate the same issues as those contained in the questionnaire. Do interviews with 4-5 people (can be a subset or part of a larger group of individuals surveyed, or a different group)
Write a 1000-word essay, along with an attachment to the questionnaire sample form and interview guidelines.
The essay must describe what you learned from the questionnaire, and from the interview, and how they support or differ from one another.
In addition, discuss what can be learned from the problem chosen from your own observations as a researcher, and how your knowledge or biased opinions influence the interpretation of your findings from research subjects.
From this exercise, if there are changes in your research, explain why?
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- Reading assignments:
- John Zeisel, "Focused Interviews" and "Standardized Questionnaires," in Inquiry by Design; Tools for Environment-Behavior Research, Brooks/Cole, 1981, pp. 137- 178. CH 9&10
- William Foote Whyte,” Learning from the Field: A Guide from Experience”, Sage Press, 1984, pp. 35-63, 83-96.
- Sidney Siegel, "Measurement -Choosing a Statistical Test," in Non-Parametric Statistics, McGraw Hill, 1956, pp. 21-31.
- Wolfgang Preiser and Jacqueline Vischer, “The Evolution of Performance Evaluation: An Introduction”, in Assessing Building Performance, Elsevier, 2005, pp. 3-14CH 1
- Walter Horn and Ernest Born, "The Dimensional Inconsistencies of the Plan of St. Gall and the Problem of the Scale of the Plan," in Art Bulletin, No.49, 1996, pp. 285-308.
SESSION # 11 CONTINUE SESSION # 10
Continue empirical research design
Idem ditto to assignment # 10 and finalize empirical research design proposal
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Readings assignment # 11
- Carl Becker, "What is Evidence?" in The Historian as Detective, Robin Winks, ed., Harper, 1968, pp. 1-23.
- Robert W. Marans and Sherry Ahrentzen, “Developments in Research Design, Data Collection and Analysis: Quantitative Methods”, in Advances in Environment, Behavior, and Design, Vol 1, ed Ervin H. Zube and Gary T. Moore (editors), Plenum Press, 1987, pp. 251-277
SESSION # 12 - QUALITATIVE RESEARCH DESIGN & GROUNDED THEORY
Methods on data collection and analyses in qualitative research:
- Systematic subjective approach to describe life experienxe and meanings;
- Grounded Theory approach in research
Write an essay of maximum of 750 words, one of the qualitative research approaches:
Design of qualitative method research with the help of initial assumptions (hypotheses);
Grounded research, research design develops in the field:
Collection of data and at the same time analyze them
Compile analytical code & categories from data, not from hypotheses that are logically deduced
Using comparative methods that directly make comparisons of each stage of analysis;
Theory is then developed along with data collection & analysis
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Readings assignment # 12
You may choose either reading materials either 1) general qualitative approach (behavioral, history); or 2) Grounded Theory
I. General
- Setha M. Low. ‘Developments in Research Desaign, Data Collection and Analyisis,’ in Advances in Environment, Behavior, and Design, Vol 1, ed Ervin H. Zube and Gary T. Moore (editors), Plenum Press, 1987, pp. 279 – 303.
- James Borchert, "Analysis of Historical Photographs: A Method and a Case Study," in Studies in Visual Communication, Vol.7, Fall 1981, pp. 30- 63.
- Bruce Berg, "Unobtrusive Measures" and "Historiography and Oral Traditions" in Qualitative Research Methods, Allyn and Bacon, 1995, pp.141-173. Ch 8 & 9
II. Grounded Theory
- Glaser, B. G. and Anselm L. Strauss: The Discovery of Grounded Theory. Strategies for Qualitative Research, Aldine Publishing Company: Chicago 1967, pp. 31-43.
- Charmaz, K. Constructing Grounded Theory: Practical Guide Through Qualitative Analysis. Sage Publications, 1990, Sage Publicayions, 2006, pp. 5 – 12
- Glaser, B. G., ‘Constructivist Grounded Theory?’, Historical Social Research / Historische Sozialforschung. Supplement, No. 19, Grounded Theory Reader(2007), pp. 93-105
SESSION # 13 - RESEARCH GRANT PROPOSAL
Make a Research Grant proposal through a series of thinking sequences: the tracing of ideas through disclosure of facts & submission of problems and questions from research (question framing); statement of purpose (eg, model, hypothesis); selection of relevant theoretical perspectives; selection of appropriate methods.
Assignment # 13
RESEARCH GRANT
Write a research proposal of 900 words for a dissertation or theses to apply for funding from the research institute (such as DRPM in Indonesia). Read and study the guidelines, requirements from relevant existing research institutes.
In addition, write an abstract of maximum 250 words in this proposal
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Readings assignment # 13
- Howard Becker, "Learning to Write as a Professional," in Writing for Social pages) Scientists, University of Chicago Press, 1986, CH. 5, pp. 90-107.
- Robert Armstrong, "The Qualities of a Book, the Wants of a Dissertation," in E. Harman and I. Montagnes, eds., TheThesis and the Book, University of Toronto Press, 1976, pp. 17-27.
- Adam Przeworski and Frank Salomon, On the Art of Writing a Proposal, Social Science Research Council, 1988, pp. 2- 8
- 4. William Germano, "If Dissertations Could Talk, What Would They Say?" in The Chronicle of Higher Education, June 13, 2002, pp. B9-B10.
- Robert Day, "How to Prepare the Abstract," in Howto Write and Publish a Scientific Paper, Oryx, 1994, CH. 6, pp. 29-32.
SESSION # 14 - PRESENTATION OF RESEARCH PROPOSAL
Each student must give a presentation on his research proposal which is scheduled in two sessions 14 & 15, considering the number of participants in this research method is quite large and cannot be assessed orally in a limited time.