Research Methods

Research methods

As part of my AS Media coursework I will have to produce market research to influence my final ideas for my music magazine, there are multiple ways to research. It is important I carry out some research before completing my final magazine cover as the research will give me an idea of what my target market want from a music magazine.

Primary research

Primary research is research that is carried out by yourself this method of research can be used in the form of questionnaires, surveys, letters, email, focus groups, phone calls and interviews.

Secondary research

Secondary research is data collected through secondary sources such as books,magazines, newspapers, internet, search engines, journals and websites.

These two methods of research are seperated into two further groups called Quantitative and Qualitative.

Qualitative data is less statistics and more opinions and individual feelings opposed to Quantitative data which is data on mass collected through methods such as questionnaires and surveys, Qualitative date is more specific individual data that was probably collected through focus groups and interviews.

Editing

Photo editing

photo editing

Photo editing

Before I take my final images for my music magazine cover I need to practice photo editing and using the software because although I can use the basics as I took GCSE Art and design but that involved mainly editing photography of City centres and buildings and not really images of people which are skills I will need for the final cover.

Hypodermic needle theory

The Hypodermic needle theory also known as the magic bullet is the theory of media company's being so powerful they can 'inject' opinions and information to a large audience to influence opinions and events. These theories show how powerful the media is as it can directly inject powerful influences ontheir target audience. The best example of this Hypodermic needle effect took place in 1938 where a radio play called "War of the worlds" was aired in which it opened as a news report, mass hysteria followed because the audience presumed that it was true, the idea had been injected by the media.

Location ideas-photo collection

I like this location however this image was taken in summer of last year and its march so if I do use this location the light and surroundings   will be very different. I could edit the photo however to create the same effect or maybe cut out the figure/model for my magazine and place then onto this original image.

The history of music magazines

Kerrang!

 Kerrang magazine is the worlds best selling Rock magazine.

 Kerrang magazine was first published on the 6th of June 1981 as a supplement in the sounds newspaper. Its main focus was on British Rock bands. Kerrang firstly began as a monthly magazine, it later became fortnightly and its huge popularity later saw a weekly edition being published this happened in 1987 and has continued until today.

Kerrang's typical content is focused on heavy metal and rock music. This includes interviews with popular bands, upcoming tours, the latest music trends, promoting new bands and advertising. In the UK Kerrang magazine is published by Bauer Consumer Media.

Kerrang's target audience is teenagers this is made clear by the bright colours and graphics used throughout the magazine. The contents also appeals to a younger demographic as it often refers to current trends.

Q magazine

Q magazine is a monthly magazine published fir the first time in October 1986. It was first published by a media group called EMAP (East Midland allied press).

Q magazine covers all the latest news in the music world, interviews, upcoming tours and current music trends. This cover is part of a special feature the magazine often runs with lists of the 100 best singers or 100 best songs.

Q magazine is aimed at a older target demographic.

Music Magazine genre

The music magazine genre I will be looking at is Alternative/Indie rock. This genre includes bands such as The Arctic Monkeys, The Fratellis, The kooks, Passenger and individual singers such as Lewis Watson and Edward Turner. I have chosen to look at this genre of music as its the genre I listen to the most. I also think its the most popular genre listened to by young adults.

Main task

Music Magazine

My main task is to create a front cover, contents and double page spread of a new music magazine. All images and text must be original and produced by me. I will be using this blog, to show my progress and ideas.