RESEARCH TECHNIQUES - UNIT 2

Why do people use research to help produce their final projects?

To put it short, research is done in "pursuit of knowledge"(Boise State University, 2019). We use this to benefit and develop our understanding of a subject (figuratively), to check and find out more factual information and to find out the thoughts of others in development.

Types of Research:

- Production Research (Textual Analysis) - the research conducted to inform the production process of a media product eg. techniques, locations, genre etc.

- Market research (Qualitative) - more thorough investigation into the reasons why products are produced and how they appeal to the consumers.

- Audience research (Quantative) - the analysis of who consumes what media products and why.

Various research methods:

Surveys -  "Surveys involve collecting information, usually from fairly large groups of people, by means of questionnaires but other techniques such as interviews or telephoning may also be used." (Alzheimers Europe, 2009). The most straightforward survey is called the 'one-shot survey'; "A study design where a single group of individuals (or other interesting unit of analysis) is selected for observation over a single, limited time period, usually because they have experienced some factor taken as important in shaping some outcome."(Victor Jupp, 2006). Surveys are useful to gather qualitative research, however, there are methods that can lead to a negative, biased research - an example of this would be not to offer an option/category (for the answer) that people can fall into.

Questionnaires - Questionnaires are used commonly as a reliable method of Quantative and Qualitative research as it allows us to obtain a large amount of information, benefiting "a large number of people and/or people who may not have the time to attend an interview or take part in experiments" (Alzheimers Europe, 2009). This is used commonly as it allows us to see numerical data easily, however, if not produced correctly, this could damage and can cause irrelevant information - especially if the answer bracket has been constructed poorly. Questions can also be unclear, therefore leading to the public giving unreliable answers.

Focus Groups - "A focus group is a gathering of deliberately selected people who participate in a planned discussion intended to elicit consumer perceptions about a particular topic or area of interest in an environment that is nonthreatening and receptive"(Gigi Devault, 2018).  This allows an open discussion between all members participated, allowing them to conclude to a final answer after negotiation.

Bibliography:

Alzheimers Europe, 21st August 2009, [online] - Research Methods - Types of Research. 14 rue dicks, L-1417, Luxembourg - https://www.alzheimer-europe.org/Research/Understanding-dementia-research/Types-of-research/Research-methods

Boise State University, Accessed: 1st February 2019, [online] 'Why do Research?', Boise State University 1910 University Dr., Boise, ID 83725 (208) 426-1000, https://academics.boisestate.edu/studentresearch/research/

Gigi Devault, 27th December 2018, [online], 'What is a Market Focus Group?, The Balance Careers, https://www.thebalancesmb.com/what-is-a-market-research-focus-group-2296907

Victor Jupp, 2006, 'The SAGE Dictionary of Social Research Methods', SAGE Publications LTD, Pg.125-126, 1 Oliver’s Yard, 55 City Road, London, EC1Y 1SP.