MArch Master of Architecture Master of Architecture: Research Methods for Architecture 4 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Historical research in architecture primarily relies on which type of sources when original documents are unavailable?
- Simulation software outputs
- Secondary sources such as scholarly interpretations of primary records (Correct answer)
- Building information models
- Parametric design scripts
Correct answer: Secondary sources such as scholarly interpretations of primary records
When primary sources (original drawings, letters, contracts) are lost or inaccessible, historians rely on secondary sources that interpret or summarize primary evidence.
Question 2: Which research design is best suited to testing whether a green roof intervention reduces indoor temperatures compared to a conventional roof?
- Grounded theory study
- Quasi-experimental pre-test/post-test design (Correct answer)
- Oral history project
- Narrative inquiry
Correct answer: Quasi-experimental pre-test/post-test design
A quasi-experimental design allows comparison of conditions before and after an intervention without full randomization, making it feasible in built-environment research.
Question 3: In architectural programming research, a 'functional relationship matrix' is used to:
- Calculate the load-bearing capacity of floor slabs
- Map the desired proximity and connection requirements between spaces (Correct answer)
- Schedule construction sequencing
- Analyze acoustic performance between rooms
Correct answer: Map the desired proximity and connection requirements between spaces
A functional relationship matrix quantifies how strongly spaces need to be adjacent or separated, directly informing spatial organization decisions.
Question 4: The Delphi method in architectural research involves:
- Excavating classical Greek building sites
- Iterative anonymous expert surveys aimed at building consensus (Correct answer)
- Parametric modeling using algorithmic inputs
- Applying Greek revival proportions to contemporary facades
Correct answer: Iterative anonymous expert surveys aimed at building consensus
The Delphi method gathers and synthesizes expert opinion through multiple anonymous survey rounds until the group converges on a consensus position.
Question 5: Which citation management practice is critical for maintaining academic integrity in a research thesis?
- Paraphrasing all sources without attribution to improve readability
- Consistently citing all sources using a recognized style such as Chicago or APA (Correct answer)
- Limiting references to sources published within the last year
- Avoiding footnotes to keep the text uncluttered
Correct answer: Consistently citing all sources using a recognized style such as Chicago or APA
Consistent, accurate citation of all sources acknowledges intellectual debts and allows readers to verify claims, which is fundamental to academic integrity.
Question 6: Environmental simulation tools such as EnergyPlus or Ladybug are used in architectural research primarily for:
- Generating photorealistic renderings for client presentations
- Quantitatively predicting building energy and environmental performance (Correct answer)
- Creating construction documentation sets
- Automating permit submission workflows
Correct answer: Quantitatively predicting building energy and environmental performance
These simulation platforms model thermal, daylighting, and energy flows, enabling evidence-based comparison of design alternatives before construction.
Question 7: A case study is considered 'bounded' in research terms because:
- It uses only quantitative data collection tools
- It is delimited by a specific unit such as a building, site, or organization (Correct answer)
- It must be completed within a single academic semester
- It restricts participant numbers to fewer than ten
Correct answer: It is delimited by a specific unit such as a building, site, or organization
Bounding the case defines the scope and limits of the study, clarifying what is included and excluded from analysis.
MArch Master of Architecture Master of Architecture: Research Methods for Architecture 4
Historical research in architecture primarily relies on which type of sources when original documents are unavailable?