2. QUANTITATIVE RESEARCH
In the social sciences , quantitative research refers to the
systematic empirical investigation of social phenomena via
statistical, mathematical or computational techniques. The
objective of quantitative research is to develop and employ
mathematical models, theories and/or hypotheses
pertaining to phenomena. The process of measurement is
central to quantitative research because it provides the
fundamental connection between empirical observation and
mathematical expression of quantitative relationships.
Quantitative data is any data that is in numerical form such
as statistics, percentages, etc. In layman's terms, this
means that the quantitative researcher asks a specific,
narrow question and collects numerical data from
participants to answer the question. The researcher
analyses the data with the help of statistics. The researcher
is hoping the numbers will yield an unbiased result that can
be generalized to some larger population.
3. QUALITATIVE RESEARCH
Is a method of inquiry employed in many different
academic disciplines, traditionally in the social sciences,
but also in market research and further contexts.
Qualitative researchers aim to gather an in-depth
understanding of human behaviour and the reasons that
govern such behaviour. The qualitative method
investigates the why and how of decision making, not
just what, where, when. Hence, smaller but focused
samples are more often needed than large samples.
4. Secondary Research
Secondary research (also known as desk research)
involves the summary, collation and/or synthesis of
existing research rather than primary research, where
data is collected from, for example, research subjects or
experiments.
The term is widely used in medical research and in
market research . The principal methodology in medical
secondary research is the systematic review, commonly
using meta-analytic statistical techniques, although
other methods of synthesis, like realist reviews and
meta-narrative reviews, have been developed in recent
years. Such secondary research uses the primary
research of others typically in the form of research
publications and reports.
5. Primary Research
Primary research consists in research to collect
original primary data. It is often undertaken after the
researcher has gained some insight into the issue by
collecting secondary data. This can be through
numerous forms, including questionaries'', direct
observation and telephone interviews amongst others.
The term primary research is widely used in academic
research, market research and competitive intelligence.
There are advantages and disadvantages to primary
research.
6. Self-generated
Self-generated research when you are collecting research
through your own video, audio or photographic records of events.
Its an important type of research to be able to master for
students because a lot of school/college projects that you will be
faced with over the years will require you to collect data on your
own material.
7. Audience Research
Audience research is all about collect information about
who your target audience are for a product, service or
presentation/pitch. Your target audience is such an
important part for any type of project because they are
the people who will potentially see/buy/use your
product.
For students, this is a must to learn as especially in
media studies you will need to know how to do this type
of research for your studies.
8. Market Research
Market research is any organized effort to gather
information about markets or customers. It is a very
important component of business strategy.
The term is commonly interchanged with market
research; however, expert practitioners may wish to
draw a distinction, in that marketing research is
concerned specifically about marketing processes, while
market research is concerned specifically with markets.
Market research is a key factor to get advantage over
competitors. Market research provides important
information to identify and analyse the market need,
market size and competition.
9. Production Research
Production research basically involves finding
information that can be used to explore the many if not
all the facets of a play: its context in our world, author,
and the world of the play, critical analysis and
interpretation, production history, images and sounds,
and sources, influences, and analogues.
