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

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