Advanced Research Methods in the Built Environment [Paperback]

This book provides a bridge between the introductory research methods books and the discipline-specific, higher level texts.

Its unique feature is the coverage of the detailed process of research rather than the findings of research projects. Chapter authors have been carefully selected by their expertise, discipline and location to give an eclectic range of perspectives. Particular care has been taken to balance positivist with interpretivist approaches throughout. The authors focus is on the practical consequences of research philosophies, strategies and techniques by using their own research and by evaluating the work of others.

Advanced Research Methods in the Built Environment addresses common topics raised by postgraduate level researchers rather than dealing with all aspects of the research process. Issues covered range from the practicalities of producing a journal article to the role of theory in research.

The material brought together here provides a valuable resource for the training and development of doctoral and young researchers and will contribute to a new sense of shared methodological understanding across built environment research.

Foreword xi

Introduction xiii

Contributors xix

1 Methodological Pluralism in Construction Management Research 1
Andrew Dainty

Introduction 1

Research strategy and design 3

The dominant research paradigm within construction management 4

Discussion: The implications of methodological uniformity 6

The case for methodological pluralism in construction management research 8

Challenges in undertaking multi-paradigm research 9

Conclusions 10

Acknowledgements 11

Note 11