Research Methods in SUSTAINABLE DESIGN.doc

Research Methods in SUSTAINABLE DESIGN Department of Architecture University of Oregon, Fall 2011 Arch 620 4 credits, P/NP; CRN: 17681 Prerequisites: M.Arch. option 1 or Ph.D. student or permission of the instructor. Time: Mondays, Wednesdays 10:00a – 11:50am, Lawrence 405 Lawrence Limited to 12 students Prof. Alison G. Kwok, 100 Pacific Hall; Office hours: Tuesdays noon – 2:00pm Voice: 541-346-2126; email: akwok@ COURSE DESCRIPTION This course provides an overview of research theory and introductory qualitative and quantitative design methods. This overview consists of understanding the preliminary considerations that go into selecting a qualitative, quantitative, or mixed methods research design. These include knowing the definition for these different approaches, considering philosophical worldviews, reviewing the literature, understanding the use of theory, anticipating ethical issues, and developing writing strategies. We will discuss the process of research as it relates to each approach. This process includes writing an introduction, specifying a purpose statement, and developing research questions and/or hypotheses. This course will also discuss the methods and procedures for quantitative, qualitative, and mixed methods studies, developing a literature review and a dissertation proposal or master’s prospectus. COURSE OBJECTIVES In this course, the following objectives will be emphasized: Develop an understanding of the basic characteristics of qualitative, quantitative, and mixed methods research and the differences among these approaches. Discuss the major philosophical worldviews related to research. Define the major strategies of inquiry used in qualitative, quantitative, and mixed methods research. Learn how to search the research literature on a topic of interest. Understand the role of literature and theory in qualitative, quantitative, and mixed methods research. Develop writing strategies for qualitative, quantitative, and mixed methods res