Research Methods

Primary research involves the collection of data that doesn't already exist.
Secondary research involves the summary and collection of existing research.
Qualitative research is that which involves words or a persons personal response.
Quantitative research is research that can be measured and evaluated to show trends or patterns.

In order to collect both a substantial and useful amount of data I will have to use a mixture of all of these methods. Each has its advantages and disadvantages when looking for different things.

Primary research can be useful when wanting to gather opinions or new information. A more typical method that is primary is a questionnaire, this allows you to collect whatever data you need, it will also be unique to you as no one else will have it for obvious reasons.
Secondary research is most probably the easiest research to get, it can be found on the Internet or in books and is anything that is readily available. It can be useful to find out things that you wouldn't really be able to find out yourself, such as specific information on celebrities or companies.
I will need both Qualitative and Quantitative data as they both have different uses. You will need qualitative data to find out information such as backgroud information. Quantitative data will be needed when looking at, as said above tends or patterns, such as viewing figures on videos.