Any good researcher collects a balance of Primary and Secondary data to gain a more accurately informed dossier on whatever the chosen subject. It is extremely important for your conclusions to be informed by these two methods of research.

​

Primary Research is research that you, yourself gather directly from the original sources. This can be simple observations, self-administrated surveys, self-conducted interviews – essentially any set of data you uncover yourself.

​

Secondary research (desk research) is data you take from existing research. The information you find has been found (through primary research) by other people and you are using it for your benefit. Examples of secondary research can include studies, research subjects and experiments. Also, under the classification of secondary research are Third-party Research Organizations that will gather research for you. This includes companies like Ofcom and BARB that do Audience research for Television.

 

Examples of Research Organizations:

​

Ofcom – The UK’s Communications regulator – Represents the consumers and regulates television, radio and telecoms. It helps protect the consumers from harmful or offensive material.

​

Communications Authority - Hong Kong's Communications regulator 

​

Broadcasters Audience Research Board (BARB) – Conducts research into television audiences for broadcasters.

​

Nash Information Services, LLC (NIS) – Provides consulting, data and analytical services on the movie industry to film producers, investment companies, entertainment companies, websites etc. Their data is made public on https://www.the-numbers.com