Research Methodology for Planning and Architectural Studies

Lecture 02: Types of Research

DR. SHUBHAJIT SADHUKHAN

DEPARTMENT OF ARCHITECTURE & PLANNING
What will we learn from this lecture?
• Different types of Research

• Characteristics of different types of Research

• Examples of different types of Research

• Summary

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Types of Research
Descriptive
Research

Other Types Analytical

of Research Research

Empirical Applied
Research Research
Types of
Research

Conceptual Fundamental
Research Research

Qualitative Quantitative
Research Research

Source: Kothari, C. R. (2009). Research Methodology – Methods and

Techniques, New Age International Publishers.

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Descriptive Research
Provides accurate portrayal of characteristics of a particular individual, situation, or group

• Deals with everything that can be counted and studied which have an impact on the lives of people
• Defines the characteristics of a particular phenomenon without necessarily investigating the causes that produce it
• Reveals description of the state-of-affairs as it exists at present
• Also known as Ex-post facto research
• Descriptive research methods can include surveys, observational studies, and case studies

Examples
✓ Frequency of Shopping
✓ Preferences of People
✓ Trip Frequency of commuters

Source: Kanojia et al. 2023

Source: Kothari, C. R. (2009). Research Methodology – Methods and Techniques, New Age International Publishers.

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Analytical Research
Involves critical thinking, logical reasoning, and the application of analytical methods to examine
patterns, trends, and relationships in data already available to make a critical evaluation

• Focuses on understanding the cause-effect relationships between two or more variables

• Researcher tries to explain the reasons why and how
• Involves a critical examination of data or information to uncover patterns, relationships, or underlying structures
• Relies on various analytical methods and techniques
• Requires logical reasoning and systematic thinking to draw conclusions from data and evidence

Examples
✓ Population forecasting based on past data
✓ Studying patient health records to identify risk factors for a particular disease
✓ Analyzing data related to environmental factors to assess the impact of human activities on ecosystem
✓ Analyzing the impact of government policies on a country’s GDP growth
Source: Kothari, C. R. (2009). Research Methodology – Methods and Techniques, New Age International Publishers.

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Applied Research
Aims at finding a solution for an immediate problem facing by a society or an organization

• Applied research that aims to solve specific problems, thus findings of applied research do have immediate practical implications
• Focuses on specific practical goals and immediate applications
• Addresses practical issues faced by industries, organizations, or communities
• Utilizes existing theories and knowledge to create practical solutions
• Emphasizes collaboration with stakeholders and application of findings

Examples
✓ To develop and test methods for remediating environmental pollution
✓ Reducing fraud on social media
✓ Optimizing daylight performance in office buildings
✓ Assessing the impact of bike-sharing programs on urban mobility
✓ Exploring sustainable design strategies for high-rise buildings
Source: Kothari, C. R. (2009). Research Methodology – Methods and Techniques, New Age International Publishers.

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Fundamental Research
An investigation of basic principles and reasons for the occurrence of a particular event, process, or
phenomenon

Study or investigation of some natural phenomenon or relating to pure science are termed as basic
research
• Searches for generalized ideas and information
• Utilizes basic processes and sampling methods
• Explains the general reasons behind events and occurrences
• Research and extracts as much data as possible
• Talks and states in technical language and terminology

Examples
✓ The relationship between academic stress and performance of students
✓ Change in ground water level and its impact on water crisis

Sources: Kothari, C. R. (2009). Research Methodology – Methods and Techniques, New Age International Publishers.

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Quantitative Research
Explores/Investigate phenomena that can be expressed in terms of quantity
• Empirical research method that deals mainly with the systematic collection and interpretation of numerical data

• The aim is to quantify and analyze relationships, patterns, and trends through statistical analysis

• This type of research is often used to test hypotheses, identify cause-and-effect relationships, and make predictions

Examples
✓ To analyze traffic patterns at a busy intersection
✓ To assess the effectiveness of a new teaching method in improving student performance
✓ Tourists' satisfaction towards hotel facilities at destinations
✓ Assessing the impact of zoning regulations on property values
✓ Quantifying the demand for utilities and services to plan infrastructure upgrades

Sources: Kothari, C. R. (2009). Research Methodology – Methods and Techniques, New Age International Publishers.

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Qualitative Research
Concerned with qualitative phenomenon, i.e., phenomena relating to or involving quality or kind
• Aims at discovering the underlying motives and desires, using in depth interviews for the purpose

• Useful in the behavioural sciences where the aim is to discover the underlying motives of human behaviour

• Qualitative research is a research method that collects non-numerical data (includes text, images, and audio recordings)

• The goal of qualitative research is to understand the meaning of people's experiences and behaviors in their own words

• Interviews, Focus Group Discussion, Observation, Narratives

Examples
✓ Using qualitative methods to understand public perceptions of transportation infrastructure and services
✓ Using participatory methods to involve communities in identifying and addressing social concerns
✓ Analyzing storytelling as a method to capture indigenous knowledge related to land use management
✓ Documenting and preserving cultural heritage through qualitative assessments of historic city
✓ Conducting focus group discussions to understand community perspectives on proposed urban development

Sources: Kothari, C. R. (2009). Research Methodology – Methods and Techniques, New Age International Publishers.

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Conceptual Research
A methodology wherein research is conducted by observing and analyzing already present
information on a given topic
• Often referred to as theoretical research, aiming to advance understanding and knowledge in a particular field without necessarily
providing practical applications

• Focuses on the development and exploration of concepts, theories, and ideas

• Conceptual research does not involve conducting any practical experiments

Examples
✓ Creating a conceptual model that emphasizes the importance of inclusivity in planning processes
✓ Proposing conceptual models showing relationship between physical form and land use patterns
✓ Developing a conceptual model that considers the temporal dimensions of planning
✓ Proposing a conceptual model to explain different learning styles and their impact on educational outcomes

Sources: Kothari, C. R. (2009). Research Methodology – Methods and Techniques, New Age International Publishers.

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Empirical Research
Empirical research is a type of research that relies on the collection and analysis of empirical or
observable data

• Involves the systematic use of evidence obtained through observation, measurement, and experimentation to answer specific
research questions or test hypotheses

• Structured and systematic approach in the design, implementation, and analysis

• Empirical research often involves the formulation and testing of hypotheses

• Empirical research can use either quantitative methods (involving numerical data and statistical analyses) or qualitative methods
(involving non-numerical data such as interviews, observations, or content analysis), or mixed-methods research
Examples
✓ Develop a survey to assess residents’ well-being and satisfaction
✓ Investigating impact of air pollution on respiratory health in urban areas
✓ Exploring the impact of social media use on interpersonal relationships among teenagers

Sources: Kothari, C. R. (2009). Research Methodology – Methods and Techniques, New Age International Publishers.

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Exploratory Research
Exploratory research is a type of research design that is conducted when a researcher is investigating
a new topic or issue where there is little or no existing literature or established theories

• Explore, discover, and generate new ideas or insights

• Provide a better understanding of a poorly understood phenomenon or to identify new areas of interest

Policy Oriented Research

Specifically designed to inform and influence the development,
implementation, or evaluation of policies

• The primary focus is on generating knowledge that can be used by policymakers, practitioners
and stakeholders to address societal issues, make informed decisions, and improve the
effectiveness of policies

• Policy-oriented research is centered around addressing real-world problems or challenges

Sources: 1. Kothari, C. R. (2009). Research Methodology – Methods and Techniques, New Age International Publishers.
2. https://www.5staressays.com/blog/types-of-research-methodology/types-of-research

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 Action Research Planning

Involves actively engaging in a cycle of planning, acting,

observing, and reflecting to address a specific issue or problem
within a real-world context
Action
• Involves collaboration between researchers and practitioners, emphasizing the Research Action
Reflect
active participation of those directly involved in the context being studied

• The process is iterative, with cycles of planning, acting, observing, and reflecting

• Action researchers must consider ethical principles, including informed consent,

confidentiality, and the well-being of participants Observe

Sources: 1. Kothari, C. R. (2009). Research Methodology – Methods and Techniques, New Age International Publishers.
2. https://www.5staressays.com/blog/types-of-research-methodology/types-of-research

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Summary
Descriptive
Research

Other Types Analytical

of Research Research

Empirical Applied
Research Research
Types of
Research

Conceptual Fundamental
Research Research

Qualitative Quantitative
Research Research

Sources: 1. Kothari, C. R. (2009). Research Methodology – Methods and Techniques, New Age International Publishers.
2. https://www.5staressays.com/blog/types-of-research-methodology/types-of-research

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Further Reading
• Kothari, C. R. (2009). Research Methodology – Methods and Techniques, New Age International Publishers.

• Ewing, R. and Park, K. (2020). Basic Quantitative Research Methods for Urban Planners, Routledge Taylor & Francis.

• Silva, A. E., Heasley, P., Harries, N., Broeck, P. V. (2015). The Routledge Handbook of Planning Research Methods, Routledge Taylor &
Francis.

• Jonker, J. and Pennink, B. (2010). The Essence of Research Methodology: A Concise Guide for Master and PhD Students in Management
Science, Springer.

• Thomas E. Scruggs, Margo A. Mastropieri (2006). Applications of Research Methodology, Elsevier.

• Wang, X. and Hofe V. R. (2007). Research Methods in Urban and Regional Planning, Springer.

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Lecture 03: Qualitative vs. Quantitative Research

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Thank You

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