VIII Semester B.Arch.

ASSIGNMENTS_2010/ARC 414 Research Techniques

FACULTY OF ARCHITECTURE
MANIPAL INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY
MANIPAL UNIVERSITY

Assignment Critical review of research paper

Objectives
1. Practice the critical reading
2. Practice writing summaries or taking notes
3. Understand research methodology
4. Ability to understand research conclusions
Assignment introduced and discussed on 13st January 2010
Submission of report 17th February 2009
Maximum marks 10%
Requirements & Format:
One page summary that includes the following subtitles:
1. Description: Brief description of the research paper including the main conclusion
shown in the example. Identify the research type from the given taxonomy.
2. Research Attributes: Describe the research attributes shown in the example. Method
of inference.
3. Research Methodology: Describe the research methodology shown in the example
Five pages critical review that includes the following subtitles:
1. Problem statement: brief review of the problem statement of the research paper
2. Research design: brief review of the research design of the research paper
3. Conduct of research: brief review of data collection or demonstration with examples
4. Analysis, interpretation and reporting: brief review of the data analysis, interpretation
and reporting.
You should be ready to make an oral presentation if asked in class.
EXAMPLE Summary a research paper is given below as a guideline for an elaborate review.
Research paper: Horridge, P., Woodson, E., Khan, S., & Tock, R.W. (1983). Thermal Optical Comparisons of
Accepted Interior Window Treatments, ASHRAE Journal. Vol. 25. No. 2. pp. 45-49, Atlanta: ASHRAE.
Horridge, Woodson, Khan & Tock (1983) investigated the heat flow
Window type(s): Single pane, clear
and the visible transmittance through selected categories of single
glass
and multi layered window treatments (venetian blinds, translucent Window area(s): Not specified
rollers, vertical blinds, opaque roller shades, drapery liners, etc.). Shading device(s): Interior: venetian
The heat losses were measured using a cold box with painted black blinds,
interior connected to a refrigeration unit used to simulate cold, night translucent
time conditions. Wind effects were not simulated. The visible light rollers, vertical
transmittance was measured using a slide projector and a blinds, opaque
photometer. The authors studied the influence of the shading roller shades,
device’s design and installation procedure, of using multiple layers, drapery liners
of varying the distance to the glass and of using various floor to Climate(s): Cold night time
ceiling installations. conditions, no
The study showed that, out of 34 cases, 20 individual treatments wind flow, no
improved the thermal resistance of the window by 70%. The highest solar radiation
R-value was obtained with an aluminium slats venetian blind. (simulated)
Multiple layers did not improve the window thermal resistance Orientation(s): Any
except when the distance between the layers was reduced to 2.54 cm. Year/period(s): Any
The installation procedure did not significantly influence the R- Energy end-use(s): Not included
values. Research method(s): Experimental
Also, it was shown that 2/3 of the window treatments tested reduced Result(s): Guildelines:
the visible light by 60-100% and that the window treatments could thermal* and
visual**
also significantly increase the thermal resistance of the window. In
transmittance of
general there was a reverse relationship between visible light
shading devices
transmittance and thermal resistance.
Other: *Using a cold box with painted
The study is interesting because it provides R-values for different black interior
window coverings. However, some results contradict research results connected to a
found by other researchers. They should be examined with caution. refrigeration unit
Note also that the light transmittance was measured using a projector **Using slide
and that the experimental conditions were relatively far from a real projector and
sky situation. photometer

1 Prof (Dr) C. Kabre

VIII Semester B.Arch. ASSIGNMENTS_2010/ARC 414 Research Techniques
FACULTY OF ARCHITECTURE
MANIPAL INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY
MANIPAL UNIVERSITY

2 Prof (Dr) C. Kabre