Oct 7, 20214 min read

Primary Research

Primary research is defined as a methodology used by researchers to collect data directly from the source, instead of depending on data collected from someone else’s research. This means that the artist will own the data collected. The reason primary research is carried out is to address a certain topic or question which requires more in-depth analysis.

When carrying out research and analysing data there are 2 types of research when it comes to primary research, these are qualitative and quantitively. One of these deals with numbers and statistics and the other deals with words and meanings.

Quantitative

Quantitative research is numbers and graphs. This is normally done by observations, surveys and closed-ended questions.

Qualitative

Qualitative research is words and meanings, which are used to understand someone’s thoughts and/or experiences. It allows you to gather more in-depth research on a specific topic that is not well known or where information is mixed in with other issues. This sort of research is normally done by interviews and open-ended questions.

There are a variety of ways in which primary research can be carried out using both qualitative and qualitative research methods, such as Interviews, Surveys, and focus groups.

Interviews

Carrying out interviews is a qualitative method of research. Which collects data and is a popular method with researchers. They can be carried out face-to-face or over the telephone and video calls. They are open-ended so require all parties to interact with each other. Therefore, face-to-face interviews are a better option as they can generate a better response than video or telephone. However, there should still be structured questions to allow for an in-depth insight into the topic and question while still allowing the participants to elaborate on their answers which could lead to additional questions.

Surveys

Surveys are a form of qualitative research and whether they are carried out on paper or online these are a good way to gather large amounts of information with minimal effort. The survey should have a good number of open-ended questions as this allows for more information to be given. They do, however, need to be short as if they're too long the person competing with them will get bored and give vague answers or leave it unfinished.

Focus Groups

Focus groups are another form of qualitative research which is a popular option when collecting information as it brings together people who know about the topic while allowing for a more diverse conversation as some participants answers may be added too by others within the group.

Primary research is most important for collecting first-hand data which is accurate. This means that it hasn’t been changed by being passed through different sources. It also only focuses on the topic and question required instead of having mixed information. It allows the artist as the researcher to focus more in-depth and study all foreseeable options.

The data which they collect from the research can be controlled by them, allowing for a better outcome of information and results.

There are a few downsides to primary research which the artist will need to consider who choosing the best course for them. Collecting the research can be timely and they need to consider whether they have the time to carry out their choice of research. It is not just about the interviews or surveys, it’s also about the time it takes to build their option, then contacting the correct people involved to take part. All while remembering that everything must be ethical and then they must allow time to evaluate the information obtained.

All research is conducted with a final purpose in mind. The artist primary goal is to answer their question ‘When have Folklore & Mythology characters been used as inspiration in TV & Film’ by carrying out their research for this topic they are trying to inform themselves on how best to answer the question and in the end achieve 4-character designs of their own from the findings of their primary research.

To begin their primary research they will first research Makeup Designers and Directors to see who if any have worked on topic-specific films. Then approach them via email or private message. This will be determined by which option they have available. A post will also be put out on social media

to see who would be interested in taking part in the discussion about the topic, but they will have to be working within the topic area.

Personal acquaintances will also be contacted to see if they would be willing to participate. This will be done through direct message and all contact will be always kept professional and ethical. Figure 5 shows the message which will be shared with those the artist contacts.

The primary research for this topic will then take place in the form of one-to-one interviews with Makeup Designers and Directors. This is to get a wide variety of opinions on the chosen topic from different perspectives.

The interviews will consist of.

· 2 Makeup Designers, each will be asked the same questions (Figure?) regarding Folklore & Mythology in TV & Film characters.

· 2 Directors, one of which has created a short film based on my chosen topic. All will be asked the same questions (Figure?) based on Folklore & Mythology in TV & Film and how they see it.

This will give the artist different viewpoints targeted at their topic from both a design point of view and a direct point of view. All the interviews will be recorded via video if done on zoom or a voice recorder when carried out in person. These interviews will have targeted questions that will then help with designing and creating their characters for the final images.

Secondary research will also be carried out using several different varieties such as online research tools, blogs, news articles, forums, books, vlogs, and any other forms found available. This research will lead to character research and ideas.

To read about the character research and secondary research read on….

Reference List

Image What is Primary Research? + [Methods & Examples], By Formplus Blog, Last updated: Dec 07th 2021.Accessed at: https://www.formpl.us/blog/primary-research [Online] Accessed on: December 18th, 2021
Primary Research: Definition, Examples, Methods and Purpose, N.a. Accessed at: https://www.questionpro.com/blog/primary-research/ [Online] Accessed on: December 18th, 2021
Qualitative vs. Quantitative Research | Differences & Methods, by Raimo Streefkerk, on April 12, 2019, and revised on August 13, 2021. Accessed at: https://www.scribbr.com/methodology/qualitative-quantitative-research/[Online] Accessed on: December 18th, 2021