New research paradigms in the built environment

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to review aspects of innovation, research and development paradigms and paradigmatic changes which have occurred in construction over recent years.

Design/methodology/approach

The approach combines reviewing literature and some theory within the context of the author's experiences as a participant in the construction industry and associated research and education.

Findings

The paper concludes that much has been re‐cycled, often under amended titles. There is notable scope and advisability in paradigm shifts from reductionist/determinist approaches to stochastic approaches which accommodate complexities of interdependencies plus moves from “hard” positivism to “softer” constructivist perspectives.

Research limitations/implications

The paper is limited in validity and reliability due to the methods employed. However, the conclusion does stress the essential of researchers being aware of and articulating the limitations of their work; the need for sound theoretical foundations is stressed in regard to both topics and methods.

Practical implications

Proper examinations of research, including ontologies, epistemologies, validities and reliabilities, as well as the topics under investigation, promotes good research and its application and avoids recycling of “popular” topics in periodically amended guises.

Originality/value

The paper expresses the author's original views, developed over a quite extensive and varied career; however, it expresses views held fairly widely but seldom expressed beyond “closed doors”.

Citation

Fellows, R. (2010), "New research paradigms in the built environment", Construction Innovation, Vol. 10 No. 1, pp. 5-13. https://doi.org/10.1108/14714171011017545