A review of the research methodology of an academic article: housing studies 01

A review of the research methodology of an academic article: housing studies 01 [informed by chatpdf.com]

Article name: "Living with strangers: exploring motivations and stated preferences for considering co-housing and shared living in Bergen, Norway" Housing and Society.

My question 1: "What are the research objectives of the article?"

The reply: "The research objectives of the article are centered around exploring the motivations and preferences of individuals considering co-housing schemes in Bergen, Norway. The specific objectives include:

1. Understanding Motivations: To investigate what motivates individuals to consider co-housing, examining various driving forces behind their interest in this living arrangement.

2. Identifying Preferences: To explore the stated preferences of potential residents regarding co-housing options, focusing on their desired attributes and functions in shared living environments.

3. Cross-Comparison Across Demographics: To analyze how differences and similarities in motivations and preferences relate to various age groups and life stages among the potential residents , .

These objectives aim to provide insights that can guide urban planners, architects, and policymakers in the future design of co-housing options and to understand the broader context of housing preferences in urban settings."

My question 2: "What are the research methods employed as reported in the article?"

The reply: "The research methods employed in the article include:

1. Qualitative Research Approach: The study utilized qualitative methods to gain in-depth insights into the motivations and preferences of potential co-housing residents.

2. Semi-Structured Interviews: The primary data collection method involved conducting ten semi-structured interviews with potential residents for a co-housing pilot project in Bergen, Norway. This format allowed for flexible and open-ended discussions around participants' views on co-housing.

3. Thematic Analysis: The data collected from the interviews were analyzed using thematic analysis, which involved identifying and organizing themes related to participants' motivations and preferences. The analysis followed a structured process, including familiarization with the data, generating initial codes, searching for themes, reviewing and defining themes, and reporting the findings , .

4. Participant Recruitment: Participants were recruited from a previous digital survey, with efforts to include a mix of age groups. This convenience sampling resulted in diverse input, although the study noted an overrepresentation of women , .

These methods combined qualitative interviewing with thematic analysis to explore the complexities of individuals' motivations and preferences regarding co-housing."

My question 3: "What is the underlying research philosophy of the study as reported in the article?"

The reply: "The underlying research philosophy of the study is based on critical realism. This perspective asserts that knowledge should be grounded in both the data collected and prior research, acknowledging the complexity of social phenomena such as co-housing.

In the article, the authors mention that their data analysis approach is informed by a critical realist perspective, which allows for the recognition of both the subjective experiences of participants and the objective structures influencing those experiences . This philosophy supports the idea that participants' motivations and preferences for co-housing are shaped by broader socio-economic contexts while being grounded in their lived experiences and personal narratives."

My question 4: "Did the study employ the mono method, multi method or mixed method as its overall research approach?"

The reply: "The study employed a mono method approach, specifically utilizing qualitative methods through semi-structured interviews as its sole data collection technique. This focused approach aimed to gain detailed insights into participants' motivations and preferences regarding co-housing without incorporating quantitative methods or multiple data collection techniques."

My question 5: "Were the research method design informed by any academic theories?"

The reply: "Yes, the research method design was informed by academic theories. The study mentions that the semi-structured interview guide was developed based on a review of the literature as well as input from the Bergen municipal architect’s office, indicating that previous academic work influenced the methodology . Additionally, the data analysis applied thematic analysis, which is informed by prior research within the field, suggesting that the analytical approach was grounded in established academic theories . Overall, the theoretical framework was crucial in shaping both data collection and analysis processes."

My question 6: "Did the study employ the deductive, inductive or the abductive research approaches?"

The reply: "The study employed an inductive research approach. This is evident from their description of the data analysis, which involved conducting an inductive analysis grounded in the data while also being informed by prior research. The aim was to organize the data meaningfully to reflect participants' co-housing motivations and preferences, suggesting that the findings were developed from the specifics of the collected data rather than from pre-existing theories or hypotheses ."

My question 7: "Did the study employ the triangulation method?"

The reply: "The study did not explicitly mention the use of triangulation as part of its methodology. Triangulation typically involves using multiple methods or sources to enhance the credibility of research findings. In this case, the researchers utilized qualitative, in-depth interviews as their primary method of data collection without referencing additional methods or data sources that are characteristic of triangulation , . Instead, they focused on generating detailed insights from a small group of participants following a quantitative survey . Hence, it appears that the study did not employ a triangulation method."

My question 8: "Does the research methodology design address the research objectives of the study?"

The reply: "Yes, the research methodology design aligns well with the study's objectives. The primary research question aimed to explore the motivations and preferences of individuals regarding co-housing schemes. To address this, the researchers employed qualitative, in-depth interviews as their method, which is suitable for gaining a rich, detailed understanding of participants' experiences and motivations .

The exploratory approach allowed the researchers to capture nuanced insights into individual preferences and motivations for co-housing, which are often complex and multifaceted. By using random sampling across different age groups and life stages, the study aimed to gather diverse perspectives and identify both common and distinct motivations influenced by sociodemographic factors , .

Moreover, the thematic analysis used to interpret the data allowed the researchers to organize findings meaningfully, thus directly addressing the research question on co-housing motivations and preferences , . Overall, the methodology supports the research objectives effectively, providing a robust framework to understand the participants' views on co-housing."

My question 9: "What is the research method design quality of the study, in terms of the qualitative research method design quality criteria and quantitative research method design quality criteria?"

The reply: "The research method design quality of the study can be assessed using qualitative and quantitative research quality criteria:

Qualitative Research Method Design Quality Criteria:

1. Credibility: The study establishes credibility through the use of semi-structured interviews, allowing for in-depth exploration of participants' motivations and preferences for co-housing. The use of multiple coding and thematic analysis enhances the validity of interpretations .

2. Transferability: While the small, specific sample (n=10) may limit the generalizability of findings, rich descriptions of participants’ contexts and experiences allow potential for transferability to similar situations or populations .

3. Dependability: The research design follows a systematic process including data collection and analysis, which can be replicated in future studies. The use of ethical guidelines and transparent procedural steps enhances accountability .

4. Confirmability: The researchers aim to minimize biases by anonymizing participants and following ethical protocols during the data collection and analysis phases. The explicit detailing of recruitment and interview processes supports confirmability , .

Quantitative Research Method Design Quality Criteria:

1. Sample Size and Representativeness: Although the initial survey provided quantitative data, the subsequent qualitative study was limited to a small sample size (n=10). The sample lacked diversity as it was predominantly female (9 out of 10 participants) and the research results may be biased towards those with a positive attitude towards co-housing , .

2. Measurement Validity: Although qualitative research does not rely on quantifiable measurements, the use of well-defined themes and motivations contributes to a kind of internal validity by ensuring that the constructs being studied are clearly understood .

3. Analysis Rigor: The analysis involved a structured thematic approach, reflective of both the data and existing literature, indicating a rigorous analytical process. This is fundamental in ensuring that findings are robust and founded on participant narratives .

4. Response Bias: The study acknowledges potential biases due to its recruitment strategy, where participants were largely those with an interest in co-housing. This may skew results and limit the range of perspectives captured, suggesting caution when interpreting findings .

Conclusion

Overall, the study exemplifies strong qualitative research design qualities through its depth of inquiry and systematic approach. However, the small and relatively homogeneous sample poses limitations to the applicability of findings, highlighting the need for a more diverse sample in future research. The mixed-methods approach capitalizes on the strengths of qualitative insights while being informed by prior quantitative data."

Reference: a collection of blog notes on using chatgpt for research purpose.