Survey Research

I have learned about the advantages and disadvantages of a number of ways to gather information by research. The purpose of research is to gain information as to what pleases the audience of my magazine and what attracts them to it.

There are two types of data:

• Quantitative: Type of research which uses numbers for data and statistics to analyse results.
• Qualitative: Method of inquiry appropriated to understand how people think about specific subjects.

For my research for my magazine I will be using Quantitative research as this is an easy way of gathering and analyzing data, despite having relatively closed questions. Therefore I will be using a questionnaire, here are the advantages and disadvantages of using one so i can balance out the cons and pros:

Advantages:

• Produces large amount of standardized data.
• Data can be collected quickly and conveniently.
• Replicable and easy to analyze. 
• New types of research can be suggested.

Disadvantages:

• Lacks Flexibility
• Biased level of motivation
• May be a biased questionnaire
• Boredom of participants. 

For my questionnaire I have considered the following questions to find out how my magazine will appeal to my target audience:

1. Where do you buy your music from? 
2. How often do you buy magazines?
3. What would attract you to a magazine on a shelf?
4. What genre of magazines do you read?
5. What interests you most about the magazine you read?
6. How much would you usually pay for a magazine?
7. What colours work best for an alternative rock magazine?
8. Who would you like to be featured on the front cover?
9. What would put you off buying the magazine?

When I get the results from the questionnaire I will present them on pie charts on my blog so they are easy to read and analyze the results. From these results I will use the information gathered to help me in the process of making my magazine so it will become appealing to the audience.