Primary vs Secondary.

Primary & Secondary Research

It is important for Media Practitioners to research using both primary and secondary methods. Primary research consists of YOU going out and collecting information, this can be done through surveys for example. Secondary research consists of the collection of already existing research and information that others have done. 

   In the working world today it is crucial that media practitioners are able to use both of these methods of research to integrate them in a cohesive manner and fashion to achieve the most accurate information. Primary research is gathered because it is more specific, authentic and valid, you are able to conduct a survey using questions you specifically wish to ask, for example like the questionnaire I created here I am able to take away specific information I wish to gather for a certain project, where as secondary research can be taken off the internet ( Wikipedia for example). This may not be as reliable for multiple reasons, there are people who can alter the information and the different demographics that have answered the questions, for example location, age, gender, will all alter the information and therefore may not be as relevant to someone who , for example, lives in the UK , as the secondary research may have been carried out in America.
   
   

    When doing a project, for example creating a film poster like I did in Digital Publishing, you need to use both primary and secondary research. For example, my primary research consisted of going out to find existing film posters and comparing their logistics. This was necessary because I could then look at existing poster layouts and what works well, then I can apply this research to my own work. In addition to this you can use secondary research to look on websites in which list the important elements of film posters, what is effective and what is necessary. Then by mixing your primary and secondary together you are able to come up with enough information to produce your own poster in which includes the key elements you looked at as well as the key elements worldwide that make it aesthetically pleasing to audiences.