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Research Strategy
Research, like all processes, can be organized in differing structures or analyzed from various perspectives. This page organizes strategies and tools in two main categories: Primary research & secondary research. Under each of these headings, there are subheadings which further detail said tools & strategies. Subsequent to these research categories, this page examines research management; followed by considerations for communication strategies for research. For visual reference, these headings are relayed again below.
𐎚 Primary Research
𐎚 Secondary Research
𐎚 Research Management
𐎚 Research Communication
Primary Research
Primary research includes all data that is collected first hand. Prior to conducting primary research, it is important to first define what sort of information is being sought. With said definition(s) in place, the next step is to strategize the ways in which to gather data. This section will detail research strategies. For more information on defining information, please see the page, Theory & Perspective.
Observation
Concerning research, a mere walk through a neighborhood is actually a valid method, albeit the considerations are more exhaustive than your average stroll. Research observations include taking the adequate time to note the sensory of area (sounds, activity, interactions, users, physical details, etc.). While there is no standard time for what's 'adequate,' it should be sufficient time to consider everything needed to 'cast the scene,' so one (1) hour or more would be far more reasonable than fifteen (15) minutes.
The data from these observations could be notes, photography, recording, or even abstractions such as ground vibrations or luminous flux. The importance is the story it tells. Images to the right demonstrate data collected through observation.
The most exhaustive part is reflecting on everything following the research. A 'first pass' reflection ideally happens promptly after the observation time to ensure all thoughts can be organically thrown down before they are filtered or organized as this could destroy some of the natural findings. An organized reflection is welcomed to follow if need be to help find more meaning to the scribbled notes.
Interviews
There exists an array of interviewing formats; each with their own respective benefits and drawbacks. Interviews range on a scale from structured to unstructured. Structured interviews have targeted questions in mind; unstructured are open-ended - the interviewee is given a general topic of discussion but more or less free to relay whatever details they find worth discussing. More quantitative data is often found with structured interviews and qualitative with unstructured. Interviewers are not bound to 'either/or,' and there are many situations which warrant a combination of structured and unstructured interviews - AKA a semi-structured interview.
Interviews can also be categorized as formal and informal. Where formal interviews have targeted subjects and a 'mission' to their purpose. The purpose of informal interviews is more 'organic.' Everyday conversation, from ordering a coffee, asking for directions, and the latest gossip on the Joneses, can all be variants of informal interviews as information can be attained with these conversations relevant to the research topic.
It is helpful to have an interview guide set up before setting on interviews which gives direction to what information is being sought and potentially the targeted demographic(s) needed to be included in the research sample (See document to the left). It is often useful to have interviews recorded as this could allow for a transcription of the discourse. However, the nature of an interview will drastically change when a formality is set up with recording equipment.
Coding and Categorizing
There are numerous means to collecting primary research beyond observations and interviews and their respective reflections. Once these methods are carried out and the data is compiled. It is beneficial to organize all of the data with codes, categories and themes. This organization makes connections between the data collected in different styles.
CODES: Specific parallels found amongst the compiled data
𐎚 Demographics, activities, frequented topics, etc.
CATEGORIES: Connections between the codes which help tell a story
𐎚 Connecting issues that were vocalized, patterns in behavior relating to activity, etc.
THEMES: Broader considerations for what the 'stories' of said categories implies
THEMES: Broader considerations for what the 'stories' of said categories implies
𐎚 Displacement, segregation, inequalities, historical trends, etc.
Secondary Research
Penetrating Curiosity
Critical Analysis
Research Management
Time Management
Methods
Research Communication
Voice & Style
Composition