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Criteria for evaluating research: the unique adequacy requirement of methods

Rooke, JA; Kagioglou, M

Authors

JA Rooke

M Kagioglou



Abstract

The Unique Adequacy requirement of methods (UA) is proposed as a means of evaluating research in construction management. UA addresses the problems stemming from the significance of conscious action in constituting human organisation. These may be summarised as: first, that objectivity is a problematic concept in such studies; second, that the determination of meaning is their primary goal; and third, that formal procedures, whether as methods of research or explanation, have significant limitations. The UA requirement has two forms: the weak form demands that the researcher is competent in the research setting; the strong form, that research reports use only concepts originating within the research setting. The consequences of applying these criteria are explored with reference to recent research reports in construction management, including: a questionnaire survey of cultural difference; an exercise in grounded theorising; a case study of the implementation of a quality management initiative. It is concluded that the UA requirement is a viable tool for evaluating and guiding research. Emphasis is placed on the importance of maintaining a principled distinction between empirical research and theory building.

Citation

Rooke, J., & Kagioglou, M. (2007). Criteria for evaluating research: the unique adequacy requirement of methods. Construction Management and Economics, 25(9), 979-987. https://doi.org/10.1080/01446190701268855

Journal Article Type Article
Publication Date Sep 1, 2007
Deposit Date Nov 26, 2009
Publicly Available Date Nov 26, 2009
Journal Construction Management and Economics
Print ISSN 0144-6193
Publisher Routledge
Peer Reviewed Peer Reviewed
Volume 25
Issue 9
Pages 979-987
DOI https://doi.org/10.1080/01446190701268855
Keywords Research methods; methodology; culture; grounded theory; total quality management
Publisher URL http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/01446190701268855

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