Initial task:
Write a departmental outline plan for your researchers detailing the different methods of researching using a case study to exemplify your guidelines. This outline plan must comprehensively explain the nature and purpose of research in your chosen media industry with elucidated examples, consistently using subject terminology correctly.
What is Research?
Why is research important?
Research is vital for pre-production and context knowledge purposes. Below is a list of reasons as to why research is beneficial to be conducted.
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Types of research and data
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What is data?
Data is individual pieces of factual information recorded and used for the purpose of analysis. It is the raw information from which statistics are created. Types of data: There are two main kinds of data - primary and secondary:
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Types of research:
The most common types of research used include basic research, quantitative and qualitative research, problem solving and problem oriented research, applied research and exploratory research. Below I have provided the definitions of each type.
The most common types of research used include basic research, quantitative and qualitative research, problem solving and problem oriented research, applied research and exploratory research. Below I have provided the definitions of each type.
- Basic research - aims to develop knowledge, theories and predictions. Basic research enhances knowledge and its main purpose is knowledge expansion, it does not facilitate in creating or inventing anything.
- Applied research - refers to scientific studies and research that used to solve problems and find answers, rather than to acquire knowledge.
- Exploratory research - helps determine the best research and data methods and selection of subjects. This type of research may not provide a final conclusion, but it can provide significant insight into a given situation, typically relying on secondary research, eg: informal discussions, case studies, etc.
- Problem-oriented research - conducted to understand the exact nature/ cause of a problem in order to find out a suitable answer.
- Problem-solving research - uses applied research to find solutions to existing problems.
- Qualitative research - an inquiry process that helps create an in-depth understanding of problems or issues in their natural settings. This is a non-statistical research method. Qualitative research can be conducted through interviews, text analysis and case studies.
- Quantitative research - focuses on numbers, sequences and measurements, using a structured way of collecting data and analyzing it to draw conclusions; a very tactical and statistical method. This is typically used for the generation of models, theories and hypotheses; the development of instruments and methods for measurements; experimental control and manipulation of variables, collection of empirical data; modelling and analysis of data; and the evaluation of results.
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Sampling:
What is sampling?
Sampling is a process used in statistical analysis in which a predetermined number of observations are taken from a larger population.
Why is sampling used?
Sampling is carried out because you usually cannot gather data from the entire population. Even in relatively small populations, the data may be needed urgently, and including everyone in the population in your data collection may take too long.
Types of sampling:
There are five types of sampling: Random, Systematic, Convenience, Cluster, and Stratified.
Sampling is a process used in statistical analysis in which a predetermined number of observations are taken from a larger population.
Why is sampling used?
Sampling is carried out because you usually cannot gather data from the entire population. Even in relatively small populations, the data may be needed urgently, and including everyone in the population in your data collection may take too long.
Types of sampling:
There are five types of sampling: Random, Systematic, Convenience, Cluster, and Stratified.
- Random sampling is analogous to putting everyone's name into a hat and drawing out several names. Each element in the population has an equal chance of occurring. While this is the preferred way of sampling, it is often difficult to do. It requires that a complete list of every element in the population be obtained. Computer generated lists are often used with random sampling. You can generate random numbers using a TI82 calculator.
- Systematic sampling is easier to do than random sampling. In systematic sampling, the list of elements is "counted off". That is, every kth element is taken. This is similar to lining everyone up and numbering off "1,2,3,4; 1,2,3,4; etc". When done numbering, all people numbered 4 would be used.
- Convenience sampling is very easy to do, but it's probably the worst technique to use. In convenience sampling, readily available data is used. That is, the first people the surveyor runs into.
- Cluster sampling is accomplished by dividing the population into groups -- usually geographically. These groups are called clusters or blocks. The clusters are randomly selected, and each element in the selected clusters are used.
- Stratified sampling also divides the population into groups called strata. However, this time it is by some characteristic, not geographically. For instance, the population might be separated into males and females. A sample is taken from each of these strata using either random, systematic, or convenience sampling.
Department plan:
Case Study: Real Life- Burna Boy and Stormzy
The case study I will be focusing on for this task is the music video for "Real Life" by Burna Boy and Stormzy. The emotional video, directed by Meji Aladi, focuses on a community balancing surviving poverty, avoiding law enforcement, and finding joy in any sliver of hope. The video also features a moving poem performed by George The Poet, on this matter. This video represents the struggle of disadvantaged Black youth in the UK. The blurred lines between the road life and real life. The fragility between life and death; and how knife crime/murder, often reported like a mere statistic in the media, has longstanding effects on a community. The song and music video for "Real Life" are a part of Burna Boy's recent comic book, "The Secret Flame." According to a press release, the plot follows Burna Boy through a spiritual journey of discovering oneself while highlighting the very moments that brought him to where he’s standing tall today. This includes Burna's personal experiences living the street life as a black citizen in England, hence the theme of the video, in which many of the black British youth can relate to. The video appears to show one man in particular, who seems to mix between mischief on the streets and building a family with his pregnant significant other. At some point, a presumed stabbing ensues, revealing that said man had a twin brother, and it was the innocent twin who tragically lost his life. Add in the fact that his killer was an apparent friend, and it becomes clear how senseless the violence in minority communities really is, especially in rough areas of England. The music video, posted on YouTube on the 2nd of October 2020, shines light on these issues at the very time of its peak, with knife crime in London at all time highs, along with other street violence and injustices. Additionally, the themes in this video crosses with other global issues such as the black lives matter movement, which also tell the stories of many innocent black people whos lives have been wrongfully taken. At 1 minute and 15 seconds into the video, 2 male black police officers are shown walking past the group of young black men hanging around on the pavement. The group notice the black officers and give them looks of disappointment and disgust, slowly shaking their heads. This clearly links with the elements of police brutality and lack of trust in the law enforcement field, especially from minority and black communities, who are often wrongfully targeted. Showing the officers to be black men themselves really establishes a sense of disappointment in them, as the youth feel as if they are being betrayed by their own people and race. This is an issue not only prevalent in the UK, but a global issue, leading me to believe that the target audience ranges from the black youth in the UK, to all black people in the world, whos struggles and pain are displayed in the video. I also believe that this is a message to people other than those of colour, as a message and story to be told, bringing awareness to the ongoing issues of many people around the world. The aim of this video was to display Burna Boy and Stormzys own struggles, however the struggles they went through mirror those of so many black women and men in many countries. The use of narration from George the Poet, a British spoken-word artist, poet, rapper, and podcast host with an interest in social and political issues, is a great way to spread the message to the target audience, with the use of young influencers such as George, who not only have the power to reach out and relate to the youth and minority audiences, but also project this onto a larger scale, such as his appearances on BBC news and his radio podcast. This is a prime example of synergy, in which both George the Poet and Burna boy et al. can spread the same message, both benefitting and exchanging target audiences, viewers and listeners. A clip like this undoubtedly was a product of basic and qualitative research, in order to fully comprehend what the target viewers want to see and what would relate to them the most. The use of recourses such as the news, worldwide discussions and case studies such as Burna Boy's personal experiences are all types of research that were used to manufacture a video as such.