Audience Research
All media texts have a target audience and it is important to do research around your target audience. Audience research can be Results that can be expressed using numerical values. or Data that cannot be shown in numbers, only words. For example, the colours of cars in a car park..
Quantitative research is research measured in numbers and usually obtained through questionnaires.
A questionnaire may ask if people prefer to watch Doctor Who or Sherlock. This will provide statistical results but wonât explain why people prefer to watch either show.
Quantitative research can include questionnaires
Qualitative research is a method that gives more information and is more concerned with the 'quality' of the responses than the 'quantity'. This type of research is conducted through focus groups and interviews with the public.
A focus group is a form of qualitative research in which a group of people are asked about their perceptions, opinions, beliefs and attitudes in relation to a certain product.
The results help producers understand the needs of their target audience.
Other forms of audience research include finding out how audiences have responded to similar texts by reading their comments on online forums, social media channels and blogs.
Media producers often research other production companies to determine how they budget, plan and market their products to a target audience.
Film and TV companies produce âMedia Kitsâ and 'Press Packsâ which contain information on audience demographics and marketing which producers find useful.