Environmental Design Research Methods: Master the Fundamentals

Question 1

What is the primary goal of a literature review in environmental design research?

Accepted Answer

To determine knowledge gaps and establish research objectives

Answer

To demonstrate grasp of existing literature

Answer

To condense all relevant research

Answer

To critique the rigor of earlier studies

Question 2

Which of the following characterizes qualitative research methods?

Accepted Answer

Focus on personal experiences and meanings

Answer

Emphasis on numerical data and statistical analysis

Answer

Use of random sampling and objective measurements

Answer

Generalization of findings to a wider population

Question 3

In environmental design, which research method does NOT prioritize quantitative data and statistical analysis?

Accepted Answer

Qualitative research

Answer

Quantitative research

Answer

Mixed methods research

Question 4

In environmental design research, which method entails directly observing the built environment to gather data?

Accepted Answer

Field observation

Answer

Literature review

Answer

Case study analysis

Answer

Experimental research

Question 5

Which research approach involves formulating a hypothesis and testing it through experimentation?

Accepted Answer

Experimental research

Answer

Qualitative research

Answer

Quantitative research

Answer

Participatory research

Question 6

In environmental design research, which is NOT an advantage of employing mixed methods?

Accepted Answer

Effortless implementation

Answer

Enhanced depth of understanding

Answer

Triangulation of data

Answer

Reduced bias

Question 7

In case study research, the focus should primarily be on:

Accepted Answer

Exploring unique case-specific characteristics

Answer

Generalizing findings to a larger population

Answer

Testing a predefined hypothesis

Answer

Collecting data from multiple sources

Question 8

Data analysis and interpretation in environmental design research is termed as:

Accepted Answer

Data analysis

Answer

Data collection

Answer

Research design

Answer

Literature review

Question 9

Which method is commonly used for qualitative data analysis?

Accepted Answer

Thematic analysis

Answer

Statistical analysis

Answer

Factor analysis

Answer

Regression analysis

Question 10

Which of the following is **NOT** a qualitative research method in environmental design?

Accepted Answer

Survey

Answer

Case study

Answer

Interview

Answer

Observational study

Question 11

What is the primary purpose of conducting a literature review in environmental design research?

Accepted Answer

To identify existing knowledge gaps

Answer

To develop a theoretical framework

Answer

To justify the research design

Answer

To present the research findings

Question 12

In environmental design research, what is a primary benefit of employing qualitative research methods?

Accepted Answer

Ability to gather in-depth and nuanced data

Answer

High level of generalizability

Answer

Simplified data analysis using statistical software

Question 13

Distinguish between data analysis methods used in qualitative and quantitative research. Provide a specific example of a data analysis method for each approach, explaining your choices.

Accepted Answer

Qualitative: Content analysis; Quantitative: Statistical analysis

Answer

Qualitative: Statistical analysis; Quantitative: Content analysis

Answer

Qualitative: Observation; Quantitative: Experimentation

Answer

Qualitative: Experimentation; Quantitative: Observation

Question 14

Which ethical consideration is not a primary concern in environmental design research?

Accepted Answer

Intellectual property rights

Answer

Transparency and disclosure of research findings

Answer

Conflicts of interest and bias

Answer

Respect for Indigenous knowledge and perspectives

Question 15

In environmental design research, which qualitative method is best suited for gathering detailed descriptions of user interactions with their surroundings?

Accepted Answer

Direct Observation

Answer

Surveys

Answer

Controlled Experiments

Question 16

Which of the following is NOT a qualitative research method used in environmental design?

Accepted Answer

Experimental studies

Answer

Interviews

Answer

Focus groups

Answer

Case studies

Question 17

What is the main purpose of a literature review in environmental design research?

Accepted Answer

To determine the extent of existing knowledge on a specific topic

Answer

To develop original research questions and hypotheses

Answer

To analyze and interpret data

Answer

To test the validity and reliability of research findings

Question 18

Which sampling technique is commonly used in environmental design research where participants are selected based on their knowledge or expertise relevant to the research topic?

Accepted Answer

Purposive sampling

Answer

Random sampling

Answer

Snowball sampling

Answer

Quota sampling

Question 19

Which ethical consideration should be prioritized when conducting environmental design research involving human participants?

Accepted Answer

Obtaining informed consent from participants

Answer

Maintaining the confidentiality of participant data

Answer

Ensuring the anonymity of participants

Answer

Remaining objective throughout the research process

Question 20

Which data analysis technique is suitable for analyzing qualitative data in environmental design research?

Accepted Answer

Content analysis

Answer

Statistical analysis

Answer

Regression analysis

Answer

Factor analysis

Question 21

Which research method is most appropriate for understanding the impact of natural light on user well-being in a specific office building?

Accepted Answer

Case study with observational data collection

Answer

Survey with questionnaires

Answer

Literature review

Answer

Experiment with controlled conditions

Question 22

A researcher wants to study the impact of different types of ventilation systems on indoor air quality. Which research approach would be most suitable?

Accepted Answer

Experimental design with controlled variables

Answer

Phenomenological study of subjective perceptions

Answer

Ethnographic study of user experiences

Answer

Historical analysis of existing systems

Question 23

What is the essential purpose of a literature review in environmental design research?

Accepted Answer

To critically synthesize existing knowledge and identify gaps in research

Answer

To present original findings

Answer

To conduct primary data collection

Question 24

A researcher wants to investigate how the design of a public space influences its use by different groups of people. Which research method would be most appropriate?

Accepted Answer

Ethnographic study with qualitative data collection

Answer

Focus group with guided discussions

Answer

Experimental design with randomized groups

Answer

Survey with structured questions

Question 25

What is the purpose of data analysis in environmental design research?

Accepted Answer

To interpret and draw meaningful conclusions from collected data

Answer

To recruit research participants

Answer

To design research instruments

Question 26

Which of the following is NOT a fundamental ethical consideration in environmental design research?

Accepted Answer

Minimizing the inconvenience to participants

Answer

Beneficence towards participants

Answer

Informed consent from participants

Answer

Confidentiality of participant data

Question 27

What is the primary function of a research proposal in environmental design?

Accepted Answer

To outline the research question, methodology, and anticipated outcomes

Answer

To collect data for analysis

Answer

To present research findings to the public

Question 28

Which of the following is NOT usually included in a research report in environmental design?

Accepted Answer

Marketing plan for the research findings

Answer

Literature review section

Answer

Results and discussion section

Answer

Methodology section

Question 29

How can the findings from environmental design research be applied in practice?

Accepted Answer

By informing design decisions, enhancing building performance, and improving user well-being

Answer

By conducting further research on the same topic

Answer

By publishing the findings in academic journals