Architecture Research Methods ARCH 5365

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Architecture Research MethodsARCH 5365

• Gary W. Smith, 2006

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GWChapter 4

• What is theoria?
• The active contemplation of an object, rather
  than the passive reception of external effects.

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• What is theory?
• Several definitions depending on the discipline.
• In the natural sciences it is a removed and
  systematic accounting of an object where exact
  prediction is very high i.e. where the
  relationship between several factors can be
  demonstrated to cause a result that can be
  predicted over and over again. If it cannot be
  demonstrated then it is determined to be a false
  theory.

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• In the human sciences it is not based on exact
  prediction (as much), but rather on statistical
  probabilities that can generalize on behavior or
  on a detailed description of a particular
  social-cultural context.
• In the fine arts it is based on systematic
  philosophical constructions.

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• How is theory related to research methodology?
• Theory describes, explains, and predicts.
  Research methodologies are ways to test and prove
  or disprove those descriptions, explanations, and
  predications, as well as provide a means by which
  theoretical claims to applicability beyond the
  particular case can be affirmed, modified, or
  rejected.
• Theories are more general, but research
  methodologies are more specific.

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• Six components of a theory
• Propositions/observations about some aspect of
  the universe (something visible and knowable)
• Logical connections between the propositions
  (abstract factors)
• A set of conclusions drawn from 1 and 2 that
  the logical connections can be used to predict
  the propositions or observations

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• Linkages to empirical reality i.e. assumption
  that the factors in 2 can be used to accurately
  represent empirical reality. (Empirical is
  Relying on or derived from observation or
  experiment empirical results that supported the
  hypothesis. Verifiable or provable by means of
  observation or experiment empirical laws.
  Guided by practical experience and not theory,
  especially in medicine.)
• A set of assumptions or presuppositions
  underlying the theory.
• Testability of the theory related both to its
  internal logical coherence (understandable by
  others) and its applicability to other cases.

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• Positive vs. Normative Theory
• Positive theory predicts future behavior based on
  identified causal links. (definite, scientific)
• Normative theory predicts future behavior based
  on long-term usage or accepted, but not proven
  truths. These do not have the same rigor of
  proof (testing) as positive theory and can have a
  variety of results. (Design or architectural
  theory)

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• Big, Medium and Small Theories
• Big theories are large in scopelink several
  phenomena into one explanatory framework that is
  transferable to other disciplines
• Small theories are limited in scopelocalized
  explanations of things, not necessarily
  transferable to other situations
• Medium theories have a little of both and are
  useful within a certain discipline, but will not
  have wide applicability across disciplines

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• Polemical Theories of Design
• Polemic A controversial argument, especially one
  refuting or attacking a specific opinion or
  doctrine. A person engaged in or inclined to
  controversy, argument, or refutation.
• In this case, different theories of
  architectural design that take opposite or
  varying stances on a certain concept.

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• Prediction vs. Persuasion
• Concept that design theories tend to have less
  predictability (no causal links, testing), and
  are based rather on rhetoric and persuasion
  (generalizability depends on how subjectively
  universal it claims to be or how much it is
  understood by a large group of people i.e.
  cultural).
• Deconstruction
• Post-modern
• The authors think positive and polemical design
  theories emerge out of a cultural context.

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• A Theory is the link between a philosophy and the
  strategies and tactics of research.

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• Seven types of research explained in the book
  include
• interpretive-historicaluses empirical evidence
  from the past
• qualitativeinterpretation of contemporary
  situations, more subjective with the research
  taking an important role

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• correlationaltakes the view that many things
  cannot be linked to a specific cause. Tries to
  show that while certain variables have strong
  relationships with other variables, there does
  not have to be proof that one variable causes the
  other
• experimentalmust have causal connections between
  two variables with a reliably predictable result.
  Scientific, objective, and quantifiable.
• simulationreproduction of a reality in a
  substitute medium. Computer models,
  environmental models.

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• logical argumentationa developed framework of
  the system of research itself. Attempts to place
  a well documented thing within a systematic
  framework that explains the thing.
• case study researchcan be a tactic within
  another research method or it can have within it
  several research approaches or it can be compared
  with other case studies to make a point

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Notes

• Information in these lectures was adapted from
  the following sources
• Booth, Wayne C., Colomb, Gregory G., Williams,
  Joseph M. 2003. The Craft of Research. Second
  Edition. Chicago University of Chicago Press.
• Groat, Linda N. and Wang, David C. 2002.
  Architectural Research Methods. New York John
  Wiley.