Conducting your Research

In order to get a distinction in Unit 2 you must:

• D1 employ a systematic and structured approach in
  all aspects of research activity
• D2 present results of research using fluent language
  and correct terminology

As a class, we have created an outline for research. You should follow this, but if you see a need for another piece of research that will help, please feel free to include it.

What Research do you need to do?
Find out:
1. Who are your audience?
Use a questionnaire.
2. Find out more about your target audience’s taste in music videos.
Do vox pops.
3. Decide what the video should be about.
Choose the song and analyse the lyrics. Listen to the song: how it flows and what genre it is.
4. Find out what the artist wants.
Talk to the artist if you can. Or look on myspace or at other work by the artist for clues.
5. Find out how much your budget is and what resources you have.
Create an inventory of the resources you need and ask people if they can help you with props and other costs.
6. Learn the skills to make the video.
Learn how to use imovie. Learn how to film with a video camera.
7. Research locations.
Take photos using a still digital camera, of your possible locations. Make a list of any problems with those locations e.g. noise levels, too busy.
8. Make sure you can organise a time to film when you have everything you need.
Plan a date for filming when your actors are free. Make a list of all the equipment you need and book the location.

Work completed so far

You've done well so far. Up to this point we have been trying to understand a variety of research methods and techniques.

Here is a chart showing what you have completed and what you still need to do.

Now it's your chance to organise and conduct some research.

Research Techniques

Here are a variety of techniques for collecting research:

1. Using libraries, search methods (indexes, catalogues)


2. Using the internet, search methods (search engines)


3. Photocopying and highlighting key quotes and images


4. Making notes


5. Interviews (written, recorded)


6. Observations


7. Questionnaires


8. Surveys


9. Focus groups


10. Meetings

Task

1. Copy this list onto a new post in your own blog.


2. Under each number, try to add two advantages and two disadvantages of this type of research.


3. Create a table showing the research you plan to conduct before making your music video.