MArch Master of Architecture Master of Architecture: Research Methods for Architecture 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which research approach uses an iterative cycle of planning, acting, observing, and reflecting to improve practice?
- Grounded theory
- Action research (Correct answer)
- Phenomenology
- Content analysis
Correct answer: Action research
Action research is a cyclical, practice-based methodology where researchers plan, act, observe outcomes, and reflect to drive iterative improvement.
Question 2: A researcher studying how different cultural groups perceive spatial boundaries in shared housing is primarily employing which lens?
- Structural engineering analysis
- Cross-cultural proxemics (Correct answer)
- Building information modeling
- Life-cycle assessment
Correct answer: Cross-cultural proxemics
Cross-cultural proxemics examines how cultures differ in their perception and use of personal and shared space.
Question 3: In architectural research, 'triangulation' refers to:
- Using geometric triangles in structural calculations
- Combining multiple methods or data sources to validate findings (Correct answer)
- Measuring site angles with a theodolite
- Applying trigonometry to facade design
Correct answer: Combining multiple methods or data sources to validate findings
Triangulation strengthens research validity by cross-checking results using multiple methods, data sources, or theoretical perspectives.
Question 4: Which type of literature review uses systematic, reproducible search strategies and explicit inclusion/exclusion criteria?
- Narrative review
- Systematic review (Correct answer)
- Scoping review
- Integrative review
Correct answer: Systematic review
A systematic review follows a rigorous, pre-registered protocol with defined search strings and criteria to minimize bias.
Question 5: Post-occupancy evaluation (POE) is best described as:
- Estimating construction costs before a project begins
- Assessing a building's performance after occupants have moved in (Correct answer)
- Reviewing zoning codes before design development
- Calculating structural loads during schematic design
Correct answer: Assessing a building's performance after occupants have moved in
POE systematically evaluates how well a completed building meets the needs of its users over time.
Question 6: When an architectural researcher uses photography, field sketches, and diary entries together to document a historic neighborhood, this is an example of:
- Digital fabrication research
- Multi-modal ethnographic documentation (Correct answer)
- Parametric analysis
- Structural forensics
Correct answer: Multi-modal ethnographic documentation
Multi-modal ethnographic documentation combines diverse recording media to build a richer, more holistic picture of a place and its community.
Question 7: Which term describes the degree to which a research instrument consistently produces the same results under the same conditions?
- Validity
- Reliability (Correct answer)
- Transferability
- Reflexivity
Correct answer: Reliability
Reliability refers to measurement consistency — a reliable tool yields stable, repeatable results across multiple trials.
MArch Master of Architecture Master of Architecture: Research Methods for Architecture 2
Which research approach uses an iterative cycle of planning, acting, observing, and reflecting to improve practice?