Guidelines for Selecting a Research Topic in Architectural Research in Nigeria

A term paper

On

GUIDELINES FOR SELECTING A RESEARCH TOPIC IN ARCHITECTURAL RESEARCH IN NIGERIA

by

OFUYA Arugha James

Arc-03-1932

Course

Research methodology (Arc 805)

Course Lecturer

Prof. O. O. Ogunsote

SUBMITTED TO THE DEPARTMENT OF ARCHITECTURE, SCHOOL OF ENVIRONMENTAL TECHNOLOGY, FEDERAL UNIVERSITY OF TECHNOLOGY, AKURE

IN PARTIAL FULFILLMENT FOR THE AWARD OF A MASTER OF TECHNOLOGY DEGREE IN ARCHITECTURE.

MARCH 2008

ABSTRACT

The desire of man to unravel facts, make new discoveries and advance in knowledge is responsible for the numerous researches around the world. Architectural researches as the name implies are researches carried out in order to add something new and relevant to the body of architecture. In Nigeria, a developing country, it is necessary for researches to be carried out in various fields to solve the many problems and accelerate development. Individuals and corporate bodies representing institutions of higher learning and institutes are responsible for researches. For a successful research, the right topic, geared towards development is to be selected. Choosing a research topic or idea in architecture can be challenging and difficult. Research topics and ideas have ramifications for those on one’s research committee and where or how one collects research data. As such, it is important to choose a research topic and idea carefully. Given the importance of research topics and ideas, there are several things to consider before choosing a research topic.

This paper examines guidelines to be adhered to in order to select appropriate research topics in Nigeria.

TABLE OF CONTENT

Title page

Abstract

1.0  INTRODUCTION

2.0  DEFINITION OF KEY TERMS

3.0  REVIEW INTO TOPIC

4.0  TIPS FOR SELECTING A RESEARCH/THESIS TOPIC

5.0  GUIDELINES FOR SELECTING A DISSERTATION TOPIC

6.0  SOME EXAMPLES OF HIGHER LEVEL RESEARCH TOPICS IN NIGERIA

7.0  CONCLUSION

8.0  REFERENCES

INTRODUCTION

From ages past to ages to come, man has and will constantly make conscious efforts to improve his well being by covering new things. Apart from penicillin and some other findings that were discovered mistakenly, most discoveries are as a result of set out goals with their corresponding objectives. In order to make these discoveries, the right thought process, a clear understanding of the problems and willingness of the researcher is needed to choose the appropriate topic that would yield a positive result and not just waste the researcher’s time. Topics and areas of researches are usually selected because of or problem field. For example, the researches into HIV/AIDS and cancer are as a result of the need to find cures to these diseases making their choice of research relevant.

In an institution of higher learning, a research topic is an implicit contract between the supervisor, the student and the department to which he would submit his project. Approval of such topic is subject to its relevance to it socio-cultural and economic development of one’s nation and its research ability. Although there are no standard rules that, either singly or collectively, will guarantee the suitability of a research problem, a number of suggestions might be listed for the guidance of the student in selecting a research topic (Ogunsote, 2008). The case of the Federal University of Technology, Akure and the Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife presents a situation whereby the student is allowed to select a topic or topics which is submitted to the department after which it is scrutinized and adjusted where necessary and approved for the student and a supervisor given.

This write-up in its whole world look at guidelines and tips of research topic in architectural topic with reference to Nigeria examples of research topics in architectural researches in Nigeria and conclude on the need to follow guidelines in selecting a topic in architectural research in Nigeria.

DEFINITION OF KEY TERMS

Guidelines: are steps, precepts, sets of instructions that have been laid down over time for the accomplishment of a goal. According to Oxford Advanced Learner Dictionary, it is defined as rules or instructions that are given by an official organization telling you how to do something especially something difficult. It is something that can be used to help you make a decision or form an opinion.

Research: Toluhi, (2001) quoting Huwes, (1982), defined research “as a process of systematic inquiry, investigation and analysis of data in order to increase knowledge, test hypothesis where necessary and to arrive at a conclusion”

Going by this definition, it shows that research has to do with gathering data through inquiry and investigation, and analyzing the data in order to find solution to a specific problem or answers to a given task. In conducting a research, some procedures have to be employed, such procedure is known as research methodology.

Adam (1983) further stated that research is crucial to the resolution of our research problems and questions as well as fulfillment of realization of the goals and objectives of the research.

Research Topic: this is a brief outline, heading or phrase that describes in concise words the content of a research. It contains the major terms that the researcher delves into and unravels during the course of research. According to Connor, the research title must clearly indicate: the key variables included in the study, the type of relationship between the variables and the target population to which the results may be applied.

Architectural Research: this includes all researches that contribute positively to the existing body of architectural knowledge. They are usually carried out in institution of higher learning or institutes for strategic studies.

Nigeria: most populated country in Africa with about 150million people and a per capita income of less than 2 dollars a day. It is Located in the West African sub region. To improve the condition of the country, researches that aim towards the progress as a result of the right selection of topic is necessary.

REVIEW INTO TOPIC

Research starts from a topic. A topic is a hypothesis, of which the researcher wants to check the degree of correctness. It is expected that architectural researches solves problems. The researcher must follow a lot of care and diligence while choosing a thesis topic. If a good Research topic is not chosen, the researcher may land in trouble because he will not have any clear cut idea as to where he wants to go and what he wants to say. Here are some important considerations, which must be observed while selecting thesis topics.

First of all, researchers of architecture in Nigeria must only choose research topics from an area in which he has interest. Choosing such thesis research means that the researcher already has some knowledge about the area. He has an outlook, which will allow him to retain an interest in the research all the while. Moreover choosing thesis topics from areas that already interest him will ensure that he will be aware of new developments related to the area.

Secondly, a researcher must choose research topics, which are neither very wide nor very narrow. Thesis topics must not be very broad as this promotes vagueness. An industry or an economic sector by themselves cannot be research topics because they are too wide an area to be covered. Besides, these thesis topics do not carry a research hypothesis. Similarly, thesis topics must not be too narrow and too obvious. These kinds of thesis topics tend to make a researcher summarize and not analyze. Research is all about discussion and analysis from which a conclusion has to be derived, not beating around the bush about something that is too obvious.

Thirdly, research topics must be original and not seem like some continuation of work already done. In which case, the researcher may have to avoid a lot of important parts of the work to avoid charges of plagiarism. This is because if the continuation topic would have had a lot of scope of work, the original researcher might have already covered that aspect.

Finally, research topics that try to move into previously uncharted territory should also be avoided. The reason is simple; the researcher will be hard pressed to persuade the institution to accept the topic. Moreover with such thesis topics gathering data will be a lot of trouble because no previous references will be available.

Remember that research topics are the basis of any research. Therefore, they should be capable in providing a good presentable Research/thesis.

TIPS FOR SELECTING A RESEARCH/THESIS TOPIC

10 Tips to Selecting a Thesis or Dissertation Topic

Without a topic, one cannot proceed to writing or defending the proposal phase; and more importantly, one cannot begin researching or writing a thesis or dissertation

Provided are 10 tips to help to move toward one’s goal of completing a degree:

1. Be Organized — Maximize Your Research Efforts

In order to maximize your research efforts, you must be organized and efficient in your search efforts. The more organized you are in the beginning, the more time you will have to write your thesis. Be diligent about keeping track of your files in the early phases of your research to reduce your stress levels later on when your enthusiasm begins to wane. If you have to back track on your research efforts, being organized from the beginning will help make the process less painful.

2. Choose a Subject Area First — Then a Topic

During the course of one’s study of architecture in a Nigerian University, a student is thought so many courses which includes Design, Construction Techniques, Graphics, Climatology, history, Landscape, etc. It is only human for one to be more interested in a subject area compared to another. It is however advised that a student selects a topic from subject area and then narrow it down.

3. Consider Expanding a Master’s Thesis into a Dissertation

If you’re working towards a PhD and you wrote a Master’s thesis, consider expanding on that topic for your dissertation. You already are familiar with the topic and much of the research is done. This approach can accelerate your progress towards your goal: Completion!

4. Make Sure the Topic Is Interesting

It is imperative that both you and your advisor are interested in your thesis/dissertation topic. Some advisors are reluctant to suggest topics because of the implicit responsibilities associated with guiding a student through the process from start to completion. Your advisor’s enthusiasm for your topic will determine his or her willingness to read, support, fund, and provide timely feedback and direction to your work.

5. Choose a Solvable and Manageable Research Problem

It is important to select a problem that is narrow enough that you can address it or solve it in a reasonable period of time. You should select a topic that can be completed within a two-year time frame.
A longer time frame could allow many unexpected and competing events to occur. If you find yourself spending an exorbitant amount of time pursuing and identifying a research problem, it is possible that the problem is not solvable. With a longer time frame, you also run the risk of someone else identifying and solving the problem before you do. Hence, the concept of “original” contribution to the field is lost and you might have to start over. Moreover, you run the risk of your enthusiasm diminishing.

6. The Research Problem Must Be Worthy of Your Time

Choosing a topic that is compelling enough to sustain further research is critical. Employers evaluate potential employees based on the student’s ability to not only finish the dissertation but also make future contributions to the field.

7. Make Your Research Topic Original- Has It Been Done Before?

The prerequisite for finding a new research topic is to be informed because most things have been studied before. Staying on top of the current debates in your academic field puts you in a position to identify the gaps in knowledge. After identifying the gaps, all you need to figure out is what kinds of information will fill these gaps.

8. Hone Your Research Skills

One way to evaluate your research skills and make sure they are up to par is to pursue a potential topic in your Research Methods or Statistics courses where you can get immediate feedback from an instructor. You can use these courses to work out potential problems in your methodology or your review of the literature; thus allowing you to work out any kinks earlier in your academic career rather than later.

9. As You Read — Ask the Following Questions.

• What is the Research Question in the Study?

• Did the Researcher Focus on the Wrong Group/subjects?

• Did the Research Leave Some Group/Something Out?

• Is the Methodology Faulty?

• Were the Findings Faulty?

• Can I Pursue the Author’s Recommendation for Future Research?

• What Are the Limitations of the Study?

10. Don’t Panic — Keep Things in Perspective

Let’s face it, not too many people will read a master’s thesis or doctoral dissertation. A thesis or dissertation is not the type of document that piques the general public’s interest mainly because of its academic rigor and writing style. The topic is generally of interest only to the student, experts in the field and the student’s advisor and committee members.