Research in the construction industry
In general, research is the systematic and investigative means of undertaking work to expand and build upon knowledge in a particular field. Research can be carried out to establish, confirm or challenge facts and theories, to solve problems, support ideas, develop new theories, and so on.
Very broadly, there are two types of research strategies available: quantitative and qualitative.
Quantitative research is an objective measure of definable factual evidence such as numbers and statistics that are capable of being analysed to determine the validity of a hypothesis.
Quantitative research can be used deductively to test a theory that can be presented in one of two ways:
- A hypothetical statement such as ‘if X then Y’.
- An educated ‘guess’.
Data accumulated through the research process should help to prove or disprove the hypothesis.
Qualitative research is the more subjective analysis of descriptions, views, opinions, and alternative theories. Depending on the approach taken,qualitative research may use a smaller sample size than quantitative research, but the data obtained can be more personal and in-depth.
Broadly, the two categories of qualitative research are exploratory and attitudinal:
- Exploratory research is used primarily to gain a greater understanding of a particular subject. It is useful for diagnosing a situation, considering alternative ideas and discovering new ones. The most common method of exploratory research is interviewing. Another common method is a questionnaire (usually with open-ended questions).
- Attitudinal research is used to evaluate the opinions or views of individuals in a way that is subjective. Examples are questions that ask the individual to express their level of agreement with a statement, or to rank preferences.
Research generally follows a specific structural process (although it may vary according to the subject matter and researcher):
- Formation of the topic.
- Hypothesis (a testable prediction).
- Conceptual definition.
- Operational definition (how the variables will be measured and assessed).
- Data gathering.
- Data analysis.
- Data interpretation.
- Test and revision of hypothesis.
- Conclusion (and reiteration if necessary).
In terms of the construction industry, there are a wide range of different organisations and bodies which specialise in conducting research; including the Building Research Establishment (BRE), Building Services Research and Information Association (BSRIA), National House Building Council (NHBC), the Construction Industry Research and Information Association (CIRIA), i3P, higher education institutes, the government and private companies.
However, the construction industry is frequently criticised for spending less on research than other comparable industries.
Research and development tax relief is a specialist tax relief made available by teh government. It is designed to provide support to companies who invest in research and development (R&D), to help bring new products to market, to develop new processes, or to improve existing products or processes. For more information, see Research and development tax relief.
In September 2020, HM Revenue & Customs reported that £175m was paid to UK construction firms in research and development tax credits in the previous year,a significant increase on the £90m paid the year before.
You can see a range of articles on Designing Buildings Wiki about research and innovation at: https://www.designingbuildings.co.uk/wiki/Category:Research_/_Innovation
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings Wiki
- Advanced construction technology.
- Case study.
- CIAT agrees to collaboration arrangement with CIB.
- C-K theory.
- Construction industry publishing.
- Construction innovation.
- Construction reports.
- Data.
- Development appraisal.
- Innovation in construction projects.
- Modern methods of construction.
- Qualitative research and the built environment.
- Quantitative v qualitative.
- Research and development tax relief.
- Review.
Featured articles and news
Heat pump announcements, what homeowners need to know
An 'ultimate guide to heat pumps' from a heating company.
Construction contract awards reach £7.1bn in February
Their highest level in seven months.
The journey to sustainability in heritage
Research is the key to better understanding.
Heritage approaches to adaptation, mitigation and loss.
Bridging the gap between policy, finance and installation.
Development on brownfield land
Definition, background, policy and the latest consultation.
With the Design Framework for Building Services.
Retrofit of Buildings, a CIOB Technical Publication
Pertinent technical issues, measures and the roles involved.
ECA joins HSE campaign to support mental health
Working Minds’ five simple steps based on risk assessment.
Mental health in the construction industry
Mental health issues in brief with related articles.
Transitional arrangements, Building Control and the BSR.
For pre-October buildings with substantial progress by April.
How to write an inspection and test plan
ITPs for quality control and assurance particular elements.
Why quality counts in domestic ventilation systems
From products, to systems to the installation.
Empowering the Future with CIOB Academy
Lifelong learning, upscaling, and reskilling for the built environment.
Winners of the 2024 ASBP Awards
Project, Product and Initiative according to the 6 pillars.