THE ESSENTIAL PARTS OF A
RESEARCH PROPOSAL FOR ARCHITECTURAL RESEARCH IN NIGERIA
WRITTEN BY
BELLO AYODEJI MOSHOOD
ARC/08/5537
BEING A TERM PAPER
SUBMITTED TO THE DEPARTMENT OF ARCHITECTURE,
FEDERAL UNIVERSITY OF TECHNOLOGY, AKURE
IN PARTIAL FULFILMENT OF THE REQUIREMENTS FOR THE AWARD OF MASTER OF TECHNOLOGY, (M. TECH.) DEGREE IN ARCHITECTURE.
COURSE: - RESEARCH METHODOLOGY
MENTOR: - PROF. O. O. OGUNSOTE
MARCH 2009.
ABSTRACT
This paper examines the essential parts of a research proposal for architectural research in Nigeria. It is noteworthy that most texts available on research proposals are not related to architecture. It then behooves on the researcher to go the extra- mile of designing the research proposal in a way that it will be suitable for architectural research. In carrying out this onerous task, the knowledge of the essential parts of the proposal cannot be over-emphasized.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
ABSTRACT……………………………………………………………………………………i
TABLE OF CONTENTS…………………………………………………………… ii
CHAPTER ONE – INTRODUCTION
1.1 BACKGROUND TO THE STUDY…………………………………………………..1
1.2 STATEMENT OF THE PROBLEM………………………………………………….1
1.3 PURPOSE OF THE STUDY………………………………………………………1-2
1.4 SIGNIFICANCE OF THE STUDY…………………………………………………2
1.5 SCOPE OF THE STUDY…………………………………………………...... 2
1.6 LIMITATIONS OF THE STUDY………………………………………………… 2
1.7 METHODOLOGY OF RESEARCH……………………………………………… 2
CHAPTER TWO – LITERATURE REVIEW
2.1 DEFINITION OF RESEARCH…………………………………………………. 3
2.2 PURPOSE OF RESEARCH……………………………………………………….. 3-4
2.3 METHODS OF GAINING KNOWLEDGE……………………………………… 4-5
2.4 CHARACTERISTICS OF RESEARCH………………………………………… 5
2.5 PROBLEMS OF RESEARCH IN NIGERIA……………………………………….5-6
2.6 RESEARCH PROPOSALS AND ARCHITECTURAL RESEARCH IN NIGERIA. 6-7
2.7 ESSENTIAL PARTS OF A RESEEARCH PROPOSAL……………………… 7 - 11
CHAPTER THREE
3.1 SUMMARY…………………………………………………………………… 12
3.2 RECOMMENDATIONS………………………………………………………. 12
3.3 REFERENCES………………………………………………………………….. 13
CHAPTER ONE – INTRODUCTION
1.1 BACKGROUND TO THE STUDY
Research is a very important aspect of the curricular of Institutions of Higher learning because it enables students to carry out some independent study during the period of training thereby enhancing their problem-solving and leadership abilities. This is not, however, to state that research is limited to the Ivory towers. Other bodies such as agencies of government and non-governmental organizations engage in research work too either directly or indirectly. Infact, the current level of technological advancement and modernization could not have being attained without some thorough research work.
Most of the texts and materials available on research, especially in this part of the world are social-science based thereby making architectural research cumbersome. Architecture, simply defined is the art and science f building. Therefore, architecture, as a profession is diametric. It has an intuitive part as well as the scientific part.
In order to promote and enhance the architecture of this country, great attention must be paid to architectural research. Architectural research like any other meaningful research must have a proposal. It then behooves on the researcher conducting a research into the field of architecture to identify and organize the essential parts of the research proposal thereby adding to the body of knowledge and improving the architecture of our dear country, thus, this study.
1.2 STATEMENT OF THE PROBLEM
This study aims to identify the essential parts of a research proposal for architectural research in Nigeria.
1.3 PURPOSE OF THE STUDY
The objectives of this study are:
(i) To explain what research and a research proposal is;
(ii) To examine the various parts of a research proposal and their relevance to architectural research.
(iii) To recommend on possible ways of improving architectural research in Nigeria.
1.4 SIGNIFICANCE OF STUDY
This study will help to demystify the problems associated with architectural
research in Nigeria by assessing the existing texts on research methods
and applying then to architectural research.
1.5 SCOPE OF STUDY
This study deals with the essential parts of a research proposal for architectural research
in Nigeria.
1.6 METHODOLOGY OF STUDY
Relevant books, texts, lecture notes as well as the internet form the basis of
this research.
CHAPTER TWO – LITERATURE REVIEW
2.1 DEFINITION OF RESEARCH
Research means to search again or to look very carefully or to search over and over again. An all-encompassing definition may not be easy as one might think. However, various definitions have been attempted.
According to Leedy [1980], research is a systematic quest for undiscovered truth, that is, it is the manner in which we solve problems in our attempt to push back the frontiers of human ignorance. He further sees research as a way of thinking, a way of looking at accumulated fact so that a collection of data speaks to the mind of the researcher.
Research can be considered as a systematic manner or procedure through which we try to arrive at a reality or a fact. It can therefore be defined as a systematic and intensive investigation geared towards a more complete knowledge of the subject studied.
Osuala [1987] says research is simply the process of arriving at dependable solutions to problems through the planned and systematic collection, analysis and interpretation of data.
However, the definition by Ogunsote seems to be more complete and totally correct. He sees research as simply the process of arriving at dependable solutions to problems through the planned and systematic collection, analysis and interpretation of knowledge for promoting progress, and for enabling man to relate more effectively to his environment, to accomplish his purpose, and to resolve his conflicts.
2.2 PURPOSE OF RESEARCH
(i) Research enables us to widen our knowledge of the world around us
(ii) It helps us in the attainment of better academic achievements through
systematic pursuits of basic truth.
(iii) Research enables us to identify some of the problem of living and suggests adequate methods of coping through research findings.
(iv) Research aims towards discovery of the relationship existing between
different phenomena of the world in which we live.
(v) Research makes us to formulate and test theories. Theories help us to
synthesize isolated data into a broader conceptual scheme at wider
applicability
(vi) Research also helps to translate empirical data into a more meaningful
information.
2.3 METHODS OF OBTAINING KNOWLEDGE
Throughout history, people have acquired knowledge in various ways. They
are;
i METHOD OF TENACITY:-Habit or inertia may induce us to believe a
proposition is true because we have always believed it to be so. Frequent
repetition of such proposition seem to enhance their validity. Men will always
cling to their belief in the face of clearly conflicting facts.
ii THE METHOD OF AUTHORITY:- This is the method of establishing belief, if the Bibles says so, it is so. If mother says it, it is true.
iii THE APPRIORI METHOD: - This method, otherwise called the method of
intuition, holds that people believes proposition if they are obvious or self-
evident. Such propositions agreed with reasons and not necessarily experiences.
iv METHOD OF SCIENCE: - This method has self-correction aspects. There are
built-in-checks all along the way of this method. It is independent of one’s m desires, wills and is radically different from the earlier methods. Dependable knowledge is attained through science because science ultimately appeals to evidence, and propositions are subjected to an empirical test.
2.4 CHARACTERISTICS OF RESEARCH
Certain features characterize research, they are;
i. EMPIRICAL: - This involves the collection f data which provides the basis for drawings conclusions.
ii. SYSTEMATIC: - Research should not be carried out haphazardly. It must follow a particular order.
iii. REPLICABLE AND TRANSMITABLE: Research is verifiable by other researchers and can be adopted or built upon.
iv. NON-ETHICAL:- Research does not seek answers to questions of right or wrong good or bad, rather it attempts to find an explanation.
v. CIRCULAR: - Research is a continuous process because every research borrows and builds upon existing facts and theories and helps in refining and extending the existing principles.
vi. LOGICAL AND OBJECTIVE: - Attempts are made to validate the procedures employed, data collected and the conclusions drawn. The emphasis is on testing rather than proving the hypothesis.
vii. Research is characterized by patient and unhurried activity.
2.5 PROBLEMS OF RESEARCH IN NIGERIA
There are many problems militating against purposeful research in Nigeria and in most developing countries. Some of these problems are;
i. ILLITERACY: - Many people are met sufficiently educated and cannot take meaningfully in research activities, they also find it difficult to complete questionnaires and also to supply relevant research information.
ii. INADEQUATE FUIDING OF RESEARCH:- Conducting a purposeful research is quite capital – intensive
iii. SECRECY: - In most developing nation, people and even organizations are very secretive and thus feel reluctant to release relevant information to researchers.
iv. LAZINESS ON THE PART OF RESEARCHERS: - Most researchers in Nigeria are very lazy. They do not want to go through the rigor of the research process.
v. SCARCITY OF RESEARCH FACILITIES:- There must be unlimited access to research facilities such as research centers, laboratories and libraries as well as internet facility. Dearth of these facilities will make research work difficult, and, on many occasions, inconclusive.
2.6 RESEARCH PROPOSALS AND ARCHITECTURAL RESEARCH IN NIGERIA
A research proposal is a formal plan advanced by a researcher detailing how he intends to conduct a research study. A research proposal is a systematized scheme outlining and describing the strategy that the researcher intends to employ in the conduct of his study. There are two types of research proposals, they are academic research proposal and grant ted research proposal usually presented grant awarding institutions and organizations that promote research activities in the world.
Academic research proposal describes the research project to be carried out by a student in partial fulfillment for the award of a named diploma or degree.
Research proposals vary in form and format from one place to another and from one discipline to another discipline. For instance, an architectural research proposal will differ to a great extent from a research proposal in the social sciences.
Ever since the practice of architecture and architectural education have been introduced to the country by the colonialist prior to independence, the conduct of a meaningful and worthwhile architectural research has not been easy.
The proposals are either cumbersome or inconclusive due to a number of factors. One of which is the ignorance of the essential parts of that would have made the architectural research attainable. These parts are discussed full in the next section.
2.7 ESSENTIAL PARTS OF AN ARCHITECTURAL RESEARCH PROPOSAL
i. TITLE: The title is placed first in the proposed. It is frequently formulated well after planning has begun and the dimensions of the study determined. The title should state clearly the essential elements of the study. The choice of terms for the title should help to indicate the scope and delimitations of the study.
ii. INTRODUCTION: - The introduction is also known as background of the study and it serves just that purpose. In this part, the researcher explains how he became interested in the study and why he felt the study was worth pursuing. He establishes the need for the study and set forth its purpose. A background to the study is necessary in any research undertaking because it relates to us where we are coming from and serve as a link between the past and the present as regards the problem being investigated. However the researcher became interested, he explains the particular circumstances surrounding the problems, but without giving a complete history of the particular subject matter involved.
iii. THE STATEMENT OF THE PROBLEM: - A research problem is defined as a fundamental problem or question, which a research is intended to address or provide an answer. The statement of the brief should be set forth in brief but quite specific terms so that even an uninformed reader may secure an idea of the nature of the problem which underlines the rationale for the study.
iv. PRINCIPLES TO BE BORNE IN MIND
The principles to be borne in mind when stating a research problem include:
[a] the researcher should know what a problem is, particularly, scientific problem
[b] Tell the reader what the research problem is all about, this can be done in interrogative or declarative form.
v. PURPOSE OF STUDY: - The purpose of the study is a quick overview of the study itself. It is written in clear and concise manner stating the scope of the study. The purposes could also be referred to as the objectives of the study. This refers to the goals that will be achieved in the study. It is the end-product of investigation in terms of expected solution to the research problem. The purpose of the study is the parameter on which the assessment of the achievement of the project is based. The purpose of the study must be specific, measurable, clearly stated and related directly to the research problem.
(vi) SIGNIFICANCE OF THE STUDY: - Significance of the study can also be called justification, or rationale, or importance of the study. The researcher should state in this section, the contributions that the study will make to the existing body of knowledge.
(vii) RESEARCH HYPOTHESES
The hypothesis may or may not be included in the paper depending on the nature of the problem.
(viii) REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE: - It is usually chapter two of the proposal, the review of literature, serves two purposes in the research report; viz
(i) to set the theoretical base for the research
(ii) to set the current research into perspective to show the state of the art.
The review of literature should be in an organized form, with appropriate subheads to indicate the areas or topics covered. There should be a short introduction to the body of the chapter and a short summary at the end. a topical organization lends itself to a better analysis of the previous research than does the treating of each study individually, either in chronological or alphabetical order. A topical consideration of previous research makes easier the comparisons and contrasts among several studies. It makes clearer the place of the present study in the overall research effort.
(ix) METHODS OF PROCEDURE: - This phase of the architectural research proposal should include each step of the experiment in the order in which it will be carried out. The procedure section is the crux of the research report. It is the background against which the reader evaluates the findings and the conclusions.
(x) Explicit step-by-step procedures should be given so that another researcher could duplicate the study in another situation.