Types of research

Quantitative research is the process in which numerical data information can be used or obtained. Quantitative information is based on the statistics and numerical aspect. This information is normally simple and not detailed and only gives the numerical statistics of the subject you are researching; whereas Qualitative research is much more detailed about its findings.

Qualitative research is used to gain an understanding of reasons, opinions and motivations. This type of research is used to access and gather relevant pieces of information in additional detail. Qualitative research will be able to identify the more complex information.

Primary research is information that you have gathered yourself. This data is original and self discovered. Primary research can be an advantage in using as this material is new and fresh. The data that you have researched and gathered is your original piece of work; you are able to tailor and collect this however you want.

Secondary research is data that has already been collected by another individual but used in your work. The majority of the time Secondary research is easier and more accessible than Primary research. Primary research can be gathered using specific ways or extreme techniques that you might not be able to gain access to.

Open questions are questions asked that can have a long answer, it isn't answered shortly. Open questions can vary in the way they are carried out. Open questions tend to have an increasingly lengthy response whereas Closed questions are much smaller in the answers that are received. A few examples of Open questions that could potentially be asked are; "What sort of Short films would you be interested in?", "Do you have a specific genre that you are particularly interested in?"

Closed questions are questions that can be answered swiftly in a word or short phrase; normally yes or no. In comparison; Closed questions are more simple and less widely spread than Open based questions. Closed questions could include something such as; "Do you watch Short films regularly?", "Would you be interested in viewing a Short film?"



Examples of using Quantitative research are:

• Programme ratings
• Box office figures
• Sales of potential DVD's

Qualitative research can be used to gather information such as:

• Film reviews
• Focus groups
• Individual interviews

There are many ways that you can conduct Primary research such as:

• Interview techniques
• Questionnaires
• Surveys
• Observations
• Audience panels

Secondary research can be carried out in various ways For example:

• Accessing books and gathering the information from this
• Using audio material
• Referencing
• Newspapers
• Photographs
• Ratings

All types of research that can be used is useful to an extent as they all have their advantages but although have various disadvantages.

Quantitative research is an advantage in using as it enables you to collect information about potential significant statistics, facts and numerical material. Although this can be an advantage to use in your research; sometimes the information is not specific enough and can not be as clear and detailed as it should be.

Qualitative research can be particularly useful as a type of research to use in your work. The reason for this is because the information you collect will be detailed and look at certain aspects of what you are researching. Although Qualitative research can be useful it has some potential disadvantages such as being significantly time consuming for you to collect. Another potential disadvantage could be that the displayed information might confuse or not be understood correctly by you or the audience.

Primary research is useful as it allows you to tailor and gather information that you specifically want however it can be very time consuming as well as have a significant cost.

Secondary research is an advantage in using because the information that you potentially want is already collected and presented to you. In comparison to this; Secondary research also has a few disadvantages such as the information being incorrect or inaccurate.