There are a multitude of research techniques to use when it comes to doing research for a project such as this. Below are the main methods of content analysis and research which are used to extract data from a source.
Reading/Using The Library
Reading and using the library is a secondary research method, proven to be useful for finding out non-fictional information recorded by an author. The author could be an expert on the subject in particular that you are researching, and you may look to their literature for guidance on a topic. Books have information that might not be available on the internet due to the bespoke nature of some books, having been published regarding specific topics, untouched by the mainstream modern-day information source, the internet. Books may hold information that is outdated due to the time of publishing and this is where books can appear inferior to the modern-day alternative information source that is the internet.
Using The Internet
The internet is seen as the prime secondary research method of our generation, with sites like Wikipedia pioneering the encyclopedia-status interpretation of the internet when it comes to the amount of information and data that it possesses. When it comes to the internet, there is a risk that. the information provided is not legitimate and due to the internet’s information being accessible and available to be altered by the general public, there is always the risk of so-called “fake news” and lack of clarity with what is the correct answer and what is not. You could use the internet to find out almost anything to an extent.
Textual Analysis
Textual analysis is a primary form of research which involves understanding language, symbols, or pictures present in texts. When analysing text, one would look for the connotations of different types of symbolism like contrast, post-modernism and in metaphorical representations which are present in many forms of text and even in language with sayings like “No smoke without fire.” Textual analysis has many advantages when inspecting the implications of an author given literary context.
Searching Archives
Searching archives is a form of secondary research which would be used for finding older information which the modern alternatives such as the internet have not yet caught onto. This could be the case, or the information could be too under the radar in general knowledge to have any internet-based research sources available. Archives are excellent for collecting data which has been untampered with by the internet and by time. Searching archives could be a practical job and some may make a journey to access the archive information.
Interviews
Interviews are the most direct form of primary research. Interviews can be used to collect information and are the best chance of getting a direct and unfiltered answer from any individual. Interviews are commonly used in media with public figures when the public are interested in a certain topic and want answers about for example, what to expect from a new film or album. Interviews can be carried for almost anything and they are substantial when it comes to providing information, due to the fact that the interviewee can be quoted later on.
Content Analysis
Content analysis is a secondary form of research determines the presence of certain words, themes or concepts within qualitative data. Content analysis is used to interpret the relation between words and concepts and analyse how they build off of each other. Things like contrast and juxtaposition in literature, and drastic polarity in themes and concepts would be good examples of polarising segments of content to analyse and draw conclusions regarding their drastic difference and how this emphasises the presence of the two themes. The darkness shows how illuminating light can be for example. These contrasts add effect.
Observations
Observations involve looking at statements and drawing information from them through looking at the quotations and inferring information through direct connotation provided by denotation of the text or media piece. Observations are seen as a general form of research and is generalised under other terms of secondary research, however observations follow no strict observational rule and what is taken away from the text or other piece of media is what is seen as significant and relevant to take away and report as data.
Questionnaires/Surveys
Questionnaires and/or surveys are a an excellent form of primary research which relies on the quantitative research reports of the general public. Questionnaires are commonplace in our modern society and can be found in multiple places serving multiple purposes, but ultimately supplying whoever in charge of what is being reported on, an insight into the quality of their service, product or company through quantitative research using questions such as “Would you recommend our service to someone you know?” with the prompt of a yes or no answer. Surveys are even used by our government, with myself having filled one out recently about how the recent pandemic affected my lifestyle and mental well-being. The website was Gov.UK and is an example of how surveys and questionnaires are most popularly and commonly used among large figures of authority or businesses who wish to have a report and insight into their services and the opinions of the public who consume their products and political decisions.
Focus Group
Focus groups are a form of primary research similar to surveys and questionnaires, however they are more focused on attaining data regarding qualitative reports from the public as opposed to surveys looking to carry out quantitative research. Focus groups are often small and will often be asked a series of questions to determine a majority opinion or simply an insight into something that could be done by the company/firm/business recruiting the focus group. Focus groups are an attempt at impartial research, however this very much depends on those involved and also, location. Questions that focus groups might be posed with could be questions such as “Who would be a fitting new mayor for our town?”. The focus group would then state their opinions and back them up with reasons and this can create a debate-like atmosphere.
Location Recce
A location recce is an assessment of a location, most likely for filming and for getting to know an environment to film in and to set a scene. Location recces are a primary form of research, with film crews arriving and deciding whether or not the location works to be filmed in. Location recce’s are bespoke to the film and music industry but this is not always the case, however they are always done in pre-production as a form of research for the crew and to better plan and authenticate whatever events may take place there.
Romano G Media 