ARC 150: Research: Research Methods in Architecture

Chapter II: Review of Related Literature

EVALUATING RESEARCH MATERIALS  Who is the intended audience?

 Is the content objective and the
During a research process, researchers use different language unbiased?
types of research materials. Research materials has 2  Does the source contain references
main types which are the primary source and the and a bibliography or works cited
secondary source. Primary sources are works created section. It is important for a research
at the time of an event, or by a person who directly material to have references and a
experienced an events such as Interviews, diaries, bibliography to check its’ credibility
letters, journals, speeches, autobiographies, and and reliability.
witness statements original hand-written manuscripts  Is the time frame and subject coverage
government documents and public records, art, clearly apparent? When was it
photographs, films, maps, fiction, and music, written/published--is the
newspaper and magazine clippings, and artifacts. information current, outdated,
Secondary sources are works that are written after the
original event or experience and they provide criticism
or is it an historical overview?
or interpretation of the event or experience, some
examples of secondary sources are: Textbooks 3. Appropriateness
biographies, historical films, music, and art ,articles  Does the material enhance or support
about people and events from the past your research? The research material
that will serve as your RRL should be
A research material for academic or scholar purposes it is related to your research topic and
highly recommended to use reference materials such as should be able to support your
encyclopedia, almanac, or dictionary, academic journals, research.
thesis, or peer reviewed journals written by scholars or  Is the material scholarly and peer-
researchers for a specific field. reviewed? The credibility and reliability
of a research material is vital.
 Is the scope sufficient for your topic?
A lot of different types of research materials are available
 Is the material current or timely for
thus it is best to choose what’s closely related to your
your topic--does it fall within a
topic, has a more specific approach, and can truly support
required date range? The date of
your research. The amount of available materials from
publication is important and should
books to internet sources can be overwhelming but the
always be considered, especially in
researcher should learn how to evaluate a material if it is
certain areas where new finding and
reliable and suitable for the research he/she is conducting.
discoveries are always changing the
In considering the most authoritative materials for a
preceding or superseding the previous
research paper, the researcher must bear the following in
ones.
mind.

Criteria for evaluating books, articles, media:

1. Authority
 The qualification of the author
and the publisher. They must be
credible and reliable and
reputable.
 The qualification of the author.
What are his/her credentials,
degree, specialization,
background in field, relevant
experience? Is he/her affiliated
with a university, scholarly
society, professional association,
government agency, etc.
2. Quality/Objectivity
 What is the purpose of the article or
book?
Criteria for Evaluating Internet sites:
1. Authority
 Identify who is the author and/or
sponsor-publisher?
 Is the author credentialed and the
sponsor-publisher reputable--can you
contact the author by phone, mail or
email to check if they exist and is really
credible.
 Is there an affiliation with an
institution, scholarly society,
professional association, commercial
enterprise? Is the research material

TAGUILASO, BERNICE MARNI S.

2015-02694
ARC 150: Research: Research Methods in Architecture
Chapter II: Review of Related Literature

from a university’s online library? A

research institute’s online journal?
 if the author or sponsor is not a
governmental or educational
institution, there should be an "About
Us" or "Who We Are" link that gives
you the necessary information

References:
2. Quality/ Objectivity
 Check the domain name of the URL (if Online:
not .edu or .gov, beware)—some .orgs
and .coms are OK. Types of sources. (n.d.). Retrieved from
 What is the purpose of the web page— https://library.ryerson.ca/guides/rusearch/ module
why was it written and for whom two/types-of-sources-2/
(audience)?
 Is the content clear and objective and Types of sources. (n.d.). Retrieved from
the language unbiased--much of the ps://my.enmu.edu/web/golden- library/resources/
information available on the Internet critically-evaluating-research-material
consists of unsubstantiated opinion
and outright falsehoods intended to Types of sources. (n.d.). Retrieved from
sell, entertain, persuade, or convert https://study.com/academy/lesson/tips-for-locating-
you. research-materials.html
 Does the source contain references
and a bibliography or works cited
section? Check if the included links are
broken or liable. Look for links to
additional sites for further Book:
exploration--are they relevant to the
topic. Alcantara, R., Espina, F., (2003). Technical writing for
 Is the time frame and subject coverage filipino students. Makati City: Katha publishing Co., Inc.
clearly apparent when was it
written/published/last updated--is the
information current, outdated, etc.

3. Appropriateness – The criteria for appropriateness

of a research material from an internet source is the same
with the books’.

 Does the material enhance or support

your research? The research material
that will serve as your RRL should be
related to your research topic and
should be able to support your
research.
 Is the material scholarly and peer-
reviewed? The credibility and reliability
of a research material is vital.
 Is the scope sufficient for your topic?
 Is the material current or timely for
your topic--does it fall within a
required date range? The date of
publication is important and should
always be considered, especially in
certain areas where new finding and
discoveries are always changing the
preceding or superseding the previous
ones.

TAGUILASO, BERNICE MARNI S.

2015-02694
ARC 150: Research: Research Methods in Architecture
Chapter II: Review of Related Literature

EVALUATING RESEARCH MATERIALS

Research materials has 2 main types

1. Primary sources - are works created at the time of an

event, or by a person who directly experienced an events.

2. Secondary sources are works that are

written after the original event or experience and they
provide criticism or interpretation of the event or
experience.

Criteria for evaluating (Books and Internet)

 Authority
-The qualification and credibility of the author
and the publisher
-Reputable publisher
 Quality/ Objectivity
- Is the content clear and objective and the
language unbiased
- Is the time frame and subject coverage clearly
apparent when was it written/published/last
updated--is the information current, outdated,
etc.

-Who is the intended audience?

 Appropriateness
- Does the material enhance or support your
research
- Is the material scholarly and peer-
reviewed? The credibility and reliability of a
research material is vital.
- Is the material current or timely for your
topic--does it fall within a required date
range?

TAGUILASO, BERNICE MARNI S.

2015-02694