Task 1 - Research techniques

Quantitative research:

In sociology, quantitative research refers to the systematic empirical investigation of social phenomena via statistical, mathematical or numerical data or computational techniques. The objective of quantitative research is to develop and employ mathematical models, theories and/or hypotheses pertaining to phenomena. 

http://www.integrity-research.com/cms/wp-content/uploads/2008/10/table-2.jpg

This could mean asking people in public closed questions on a particular topic, for example: "Do you like gaming on tablets?" there are only two possible answers for this question, yes or no. making the evidence you collect easier to decide on a target audience for your game. this would be accomplished by using surveys and questionnaires.

ESA: Women make up almost half of all gamers

New report from industry group also finds adult women a more significant portion of game-playing population than boys 17 and under.

full article here: http://www.gamespot.com/articles/esa-women-make-up-almost-half-of-all-gamers/1100-6410363/

Qualitative research:

Qualitative Research is primarily exploratory research. It is used to gain an understanding of underlying reasons, opinions, and motivations. It provides insights into the problem or helps to develop ideas or hypotheses for potential quantitative research.

http://www.snapsurveys.com/blog/what-is-the-difference-between-qualitative-research-and-quantitative-research/

This would entail gathering data on specific topics using open ended questions, such as: "Why do you like prefer gaming a tablet over a console?". In contract to quantitative research the range and variety of answer will be more explanatory and helpful. You can easily collect, analyse and use your data to help you create a product that is designed to fit your target audiences preferences.      

http://kmusial.files.wordpress.com/2011/11/qual_vs_quant.png

Persona 3: FES manages to take one of last year's best RPGs and make it even better, trumping the original with loads of gameplay and fantastic value.  For newcomers, a mere $30 buys them easily over 100 hours of impossibly engaging role-playing action, giving them an incredible price on what is probably the best RPGs for the PlayStation 2. And fans of Persona 3 will definitely want to pick this up to witness the satisfying conclusion to the story, as well as all of the stellar new content. Do not miss this game.

Full article here: http://www.destructoid.com/destructoid-review-persona-3-fes-84061.phtml

Audience Profiling:

Audience Profiling is finding out about the profile of your audience before hand so that you can put across your message to the right people in the most effective way to produce the best result. It might include details like age, sex, educational qualification, work experience, financial background, field of work, interests, mood, orientation, bias, food habits, religious background, physique, health condition etc.

https://answers.yahoo.com/question/index?qid=20080929075444AAPJwsK

If you wanted to create a game which mainly included random violence then you would to collect both types of data above and consider who your target audience is. Obviously a lot more males would be interested in this game so you would have to focus all of your marketing techniques to attract to attention and interest of males. 

http://venturebeat.files.wordpress.com/2013/09/2012_gaming_audience_gender_breakdown1.png