Advanced Research Methods in the Built Environment

This book provides a bridge between the introductory research methods books and the discipline–specific, higher level texts.

Its unique feature is the coverage of the detailed process of research rather than the findings of research projects. Chapter authors have been carefully selected by their expertise, discipline and location to give an eclectic range of perspectives. Particular care has been taken to balance positivist with interpretivist approaches throughout. The authors focus is on the practical consequences of research philosophies, strategies and techniques by using their own research and by evaluating the work of others.

Advanced Research Methods in the Built Environment addresses common topics raised by postgraduate level researchers rather than dealing with all aspects of the research process. Issues covered range from the practicalities of producing a journal article to the role of theory in research.

The material brought together here provides a valuable resource for the training and development of doctoral and young researchers and will contribute to a new sense of shared methodological understanding across built environment research.

Contents.

Foreword.

Preface.

Contributor List.

1 Methodological pluralism in construction management.

Andrew Dainty.

2 Architectural research.

Alan Penn.

3 Legal research .

Paul Chynoweth.

4 Feminist research.

Pat Morton and Sara Wilkinson.

5 Approaches to economic analysis and modelling.

Les Ruddock.

6 Epistemology.

Andrew Knight and Neil Turnbull.

7 Scientific theories.

Goran Runeson and Martin Skitmore.

8 Grounded theory.

Kirsty Hunter and John Kelly.

9 Case study research.

David Proverbs and Rod Gameson.

10 Interviews: a negotiated partnership.

Richard Haigh.

11 Questionnaire design and factor analysis.

Mike Hoxley.

12 Using software to analyse qualitative data.

Andrew King.

13 Getting started in quantitative analysis.

Chris Leishman.

14 Artificial neural network modelling techniques for applied civil and construction engineering research.

Hamlin Boussabaine and Richard Kirkham.

15 Social Network Analysis .

Stephen Pryke.

16 Managing the thesis.

Alan Griffith and Paul Watson.

17 Getting your research published in refereed journals.

Will Hughes.

18 Researcher attitudes and motivation.

David Boyd.

19 Built environment futures research: the need for foresight and scenario learning .

John Ratcliffe

Dr Andrew Knight, Principal Lecturer, School of Architecture, Design & Built Environment, Nottingham Trent University

Professor Les Ruddock, Associate Dean of Research, Faculty of Business, Law & the Built Environment, and Professor of Construction & Property Economics, University of Salford

"[The book] will be of unquestionable interest, use and value to researchers undertaking al types and levels of research across the built environment spectrum It will prove to be a valuable edition to the body of knowledge supporting research practice within the built environment ... Highly recommended." ( Building Engineer, February 2009)