Research notes

1) Quantitative

    Data = statistics and numbers

 

Advantages:

This type of research allows the researcher to analyse and measure date; the relationship between the dependent and independent variables are studied carefully and in depth which would then help the researcher be more objective.

Disadvantages:

The context behind the quantitative research is ignored; the things being studied are not studied in their natural setting as well as quantitative research does not take into account the meaning behind these things to different people. Also, these type of research needs a large sample to ensure that the results are accurate which is time consuming.

 

2) Qualitative

    The human touch = interviews, surveys and observations

 

Advantages:

Qualitative research gives the researcher the freedom to let their study unfold naturally as there is no need for a design plan for their research. The researcher can also gain more detailed data in the form of comprehensive written descriptions or visual evidence. Furthermore, this type of research focuses on context and its affect on individuals.  

Disadvantages:

The results are biased as the researcher interprets the research according to their biased view. Also, this research method is also time consuming and take months or years.  

 

3) Secondary research:

    Using others research to help your own/using research that already exists.

 

Advantages:

Time and cost effective.

The data collected is extensive; it covers a large spectrum of issues, from this the researchers can filter the issues down to what they are focussing on.

Disadvantages:

Data definitions may cause issues as a term may have different definitions amongst different people. Furthermore, as this researcher uses another's research there is no way to ensure the data is accurate and not biased. The information the research is based off may be too old in that times have changed and the information no longer applies to modern times; also there may be proprietary issues, this means that the origins of the research being used has been copyrighted and has been used without permission which can lead to legal issues.  

 

4) Primary research:

    Conducting new research (own research).

 

Advantages:

The data interpretation is better as the data collected can be interpreted by the researchers based off their needs rather than the interpretations made by the researchers during secondary research. Also, unlike secondary research, primary research is more up to date and so the results are more accurate as they are more in the modern times. Furthermore, primary research belongs to the collector of that information which means the research/results do not have to be shared with competitors, which is an advantage for the collector.

Disadvantages:

Primary research is much more time consuming and costly; also this type of research requires more resources which are not accessible in the needed large quantity.  

 

 

 

I will mainly be using secondary data to help my research be less time consuming although I will use it alongside primary research to ensure that my research is unbiased and up to date with the times. Furthermore, I will be using Qualitative research to ensure that the data I collect is more accurate than if I used Quantitative, as well as Qualitative focuses on the context and its affect on people which I believe will be an advantage when creating my own music magazine as I can further ensure that it appeals my target audience.