Advantages and disadvantages of various research methods

Research methods	Advantages	Disadvantages
Questionnaire	It enables us to ask in depth questions and get a response from our intended audience.	We may not receive accurate answers if people want to answer the questionnaire quickly.
Focus group	We can get a group together and they can let us know what they like and dislike about our music video.	The views of the focus group do not represent everyone in that age group.
Survey	It is easy to collect a large amount of data in a shorter period of time.	The answer choices provided on various surveys may not represent the participant’s actual views.
Internet	It is easily accessible, whilst allowing us to access a wide variety of information.	The data on the Internet may not be accurate or may be out of date; it may also be difficult to find out who has written it.
Books	This is classical research, allowing us to study independent theories related to our media work.	They may be out-dated, or the theories within the books may have changed since the book was written.
Random sampling	This research method usually proves representative results.	However, some people may not have the required experience or knowledge to answer questions.
Quota sampling	This is good because it allows you to choose the people that would like and be interested in your music video.	However, this sample whilst suiting our needs will not be representational of everyone in that specific group.
Volunteer sampling	This is good because people who put themselves forward will be interested in your music video and will offer constructive criticism.	However, the people who put themselves forward may not be suitable or in the age group of our intended audience.
Interviews	This allows an independent talk one to one with people who are interested in our music video; it would also allow us to improve by getting honest feedback.	If people in the interviews are not interested in our media product, we may not receive honest feedback as they want to leave.