Evaluation of Questionnaires as a Method of Research

A questionnaire is defined as ‘the main instrument for collecting survey research’ (Lavrakas, 2008). They are versatile as they can be used to collect both qualitative and quantitative data, such as the individual answers within a sample group or the popularity of some pre-selected options.  

Questionnaires have advantages in their ease of distribution and opportunities for wide sampling. They are usually quick to complete and can be completed in a variety of settings such as online, in person, or written, so they can have many avenues of distribution making them very accessible. Accessibility in turn adds to the ability to reach a wide variety of people as more will be inclined to take part in the survey because it is easier to do. 

However, each type of questionnaire has its own advantages and disadvantages, meaning they can vary in effectiveness. For example, questionnaires conducted through a computer, such as those sent out via email, are very inexpensive yet they are easily ignored or buried in crowded inboxes. On the other hand, a questionnaire conducted face-to-face may result in better engagement and understanding at the cost of being more expensive to run (Dudovskiy, no date). 

Something else that adds to the versatility of the questionnaire style of research is that it can be used to collect either qualitative or quantitative data, or both (Dudovskiy, no date). Questionnaires can be used to collect quantitative data by including ‘restricted questions with multiple choice answer options’ (Dudovskiy, no date) the results of which can be understood much like a poll – with answers being counted rather than read individually. The latter method is however used for collecting qualitative data, where researchers use open-ended questions and record the unique answers given by participants. While this can provide more insightful results, they may require more time-consuming analysis. 

Therefore, questionnaires are overall a good way to collect both general and specific data, albeit with some notable drawbacks such as specific data being harder to analyse in questionnaire format, especially with large sample sizes.

Bibliography:

• Lavrakas, P., 2008. Encyclopedia of survey research methods. Thousand Oaks, Calif.: SAGE Publications.
• Dudovskiy, J. (no date) Questionnaires. [online] Research-Methodology.net. Available at: <https://research-methodology.net/research-methods/survey-method/questionnaires-2/> [Accessed 30 March 2022].

Promotional Video Unit Evaluation

Unit Summary

The promotional video unit was completed via a mock production with a virtual client, simulating the experience and process of working with a business or organisation to produce an advertisement for them according to a brief. This encompassed all elements of planning and preproduction for the video, including communication with the client, and the creation of materials detailing information about the (hypothetical) production.

Research

I mainly succeeded in the research element of this unit because I took time to research promotional videos before I started planning my own. I did this by looking at four existing promotional videos of different styles and analysing the approaches and techniques implemented in them, so that I could better understand this type of video production. Furthermore, I spent a lot of time early on looking into the resources needed to film an advert like the one I was planning. This included looking at different filming locations such as online listings for studio hire and looking for one that offered the right amount of space as well as the kind of white backdrop that was essential to the style of video I had planned. One area of my research that could have been improved was the research into the legal and ethical parts of a professional video production because this was one of the last things I looked into after planning my video, when in the case of a real production, legal elements such as talent and location release forms should be dealt with before any filming takes place.

Planning & Organisation

I think I was moderately successful in terms of planning and organisation of a promotional video. This is because I planned many elements of my video, such as a concept, estimated costs, a script, a storyboard, and distribution; however, some of these aspects could have been planned in greater detail. An example of this is that while I planned the estimated costs of filming with a cast of two, I neglected to plan for a full filming crew and left out roles such as director, producer, director of photography, instead assuming that these roles would be handled by myself in the hypothetical production scenario. To improve, I would include these roles in my planning and research how much it would cost to do so. Furthermore, one important material which I neglected to produce as part of the planning process was a Gantt chart. This would have been essential to real production as it details when different tasks within the production will be completed and by who, which would help guide the project as well as provide a useful way to communicate these details to the client. These drawbacks in my planning can be attributed to less than ideal organisation and time management on my part. While I did use to do lists effectively to keep track of my work for this unit, this was undermined because I underestimated the amount of time required to complete some elements of the unit in detail.

Another important aspect of the planning process in this unit was justifying the decisions made with regards to the production, such as the location and equipment hired, and contingency planning in case of unexpected delays or hiccups during production. I struggled to include this detail overall across my planning so this is something I would pay extra attention to in order to improve. Although I did include extra money in my estimated budget to account for any unforeseen extra expenses that might have occurred, which demonstrates some contingency planning.

Communication with Client

One of the primary objectives of this unit was to maintain good communication with the virtual client as would be necessary during a real production for a client. This was to be achieved through regular meetings with the client and by providing the client with certain materials. I did attend several meetings with my virtual client which were very successful in establishing what the client wanted and what I had planned in response. On the other hand, I was not able to keep up regular meetings with the client, partly due to technical difficulties, so the amount of communication could have been improved. With regards to materials provided to the client, I produced a detailed initial pitch presentation which included my concept, estimated expenses, and mood boards to communicate the kind of visuals I planned to include. However, I could have improved by producing and providing more materials to the client such as the previously mentioned Gantt chart and the 'client feedback form' which was specific in the unit brief.

Conclusion

Overall, I think I was more successful in some areas of this unit than others. There is undeniably lots that could be done to improve in my planning and communication, but also a good deal of successful work across all elements of this unit, particularly in my research and planning.

Promotional Video: Health and Safety on Set

The only filming location for my Ancestree promotional video production is a large studio space. However, there will be equipment such as tripods and lights on set so anyone present should be made aware of this and be cautioned to take care when moving around. Trailing cables could also be a hazard on set, and even though the risk of harm is relatively low anyone on set should also be made aware of this and all possible efforts to position cables safely should be made.

The production will involve the use of two chairs as props. These could be a potential hazard if not correctly adjusted or if they are in a state of disrepair. Thus, to minimise risk to the cast, the chairs should be checked to make sure they are suitably adjusted and safe to use before filming begins.

Fire is a potential hazard in any workplace, including studio spaces. The most likely cause of a fire during this production is overloading electrical outlets due to the use of powerful lights and possibly charging camera batteries and audio equipment. Therefore care should be taken not to overload sockets and the locations of fire exits and fire extinguishers on the premises should be made known to the cast and crew at the start of production.

Release Forms

Two people will appear in my production. Each actor would need to sign a talent release form before production began. This is a legal necessity that grants me ownership of the resulting video and the right to use the likenesses of my actors.

It may also be necessary to get written permission from the owner of any private location which is used for filming. This can be done in the form of a location release form.

Examples of suitable release forms that could be used are below:

'Ancestree' Advert Storyboard

Because the concept for my promotional video is visually very minimalist, I've chosen to make the storyboard using simple drawings. This conveys the visuals of the video well as the setting is a studio with a white backdrop and the most important detail to convey visually is the positioning of my characters.

The narrative takes place in the format of two characters who are being interviewed in a studio.

Maddy starts telling the story of how she met her distant family member using Ancestree.

Chris also tells parts of the story from his perspective.

The video alternates between shots of Maddy and Chris explaining how the app brought them together.

The interviews are edited together in such a way that they complete each other's sentences and each adds relevant details to the story.

After several cuts back and forth between Maddy and Chris telling the story. It is revealed that they are in the same studio together - representing how Ancestree brings family members together. They hug.

Over a slow-motion shot of the hug, Chris says over voice-over "Family is family, no matter how distant."

'Ancestree' Advert Script

 Location: White backdrop studio

Characters:

Maddy (~20, female)

Chris (~65, male)

Maddy: I had only really met close family members, so I was curious to learn about my extended family.

Chris: When you get older, new friendships can be hard to come by, so when I heard about Ancestree I thought I would give it a go.

Maddy: With Ancestree, it was really easy to find family members I had no idea about, like Christopher…

Chris: Out of the blue I got a message from a distant niece of mine and we got on brilliantly.

Maddy: I was bored one afternoon so I went on the app and sent him a message. We ended up talking for-

Chris: [Laughing] -probably a few hours, I’d say.

Maddy: …exchanging stories about our sides of the family and learning about how we’re connected.

Chris: We carried on speaking regularly.

Maddy: And now we talk every couple of weeks…

[Maddy looks off-screen at Chris]

Chris: …over coffee and cake!

[Cut to a shot revealing that both characters are in the studio together. They get up and go to embrace.]

Chris: It goes to show that family is family, no matter how distant.

Estimated Production Costs and Sources

 

Total budget for production and post production: £204,277

Sources:

• Studio - https://greenscreenstudiohireleeds.co.uk/white-background-studio-hire-in-leeds/ 
• Equipment - https://www.hireacamera.com/en-gb/
• Transportation/Van Hire - https://www.enterprise.co.uk/en/van-hire.html
• Talent - https://www.ehow.co.uk/info_8466340_average-commercial-actors-salary.html
• Editing - https://www.tastyedits.com/how-much-does-it-cost-to-hire-a-video-editor/
• Television Advertising - https://www.toasttv.co.uk/tv-advertising-costs/
• Youtube Advertising - https://www.webfx.com/social-media/pricing/how-much-does-youtube-advertising-cost/

Promotional Video Unit: Planning and Organisation