Other forms of Research- What are the benefits/drawbacks of each?

Experiments: Pros- the pros of using experiments is that your findings are valuable as well as factual. Your results aren't assumed or from a secondary source your are there to witness things for yourself and are able to draw valuable conclusions. However to get an effective result you must have an opposing side to compare your results to or else your findings will be biased.

Cons- Doing an experiment as a form of research could be seen as being artificial. Meaning that you had to prepare and set up an experiment as opposed to finding something in a real life situation.

Participant Observation: Pros- The benefit of undergoing participant observation is that you get a clearer understanding of what your researching. You are personally participating in your research as opposed to just reading it or researching it online.
Cons- The cons of participant observation is that not only could you get hurt depending on what your researching i.e researching gangs but you could also get influenced to undertake what your researching. For example if your researching the affects gangs have on the crime rate and you participate in a gang then you may be persuaded to be apart of that gang.

Historical Research: Pros- Historical research is useful when trying to compare previous theories with present theories. You can be able to draw valuable conclusions between the way people think, act or behave. In addition to that you are able to find the root cause about what your researching therefore making your research context more sufficient. You will be able to research how the past affected the future.
Cons- Your historical findings can not be argued because its happened years and years ago. You can not go out and find the person whose theories you would like to argue because they may potentially not be around any more. In addition to that another con may be that your findings may be out of date if your researching a modern topic.

Rhetorical Analysis: Pros- By using rhetorical analysis we are able to see what type of  techniques works for  a certain group of audiences. It can give us an insight as to what they depending on what they respond to.
Cons-Rhetorical analysis shows you what the makers of the products think of the audience and that doesn't help us because the audience would respond differently to it which is no use to us.

Comparative Analysis: Pros It can give very specific answers
Cons-It can be very biased because its down to your opinion who you choose to compare as opposed to something being given to you

Competitor: Pros- Gives you a better view of the market and what your up against. It helps you determine your audience and how you would go about attracting them.
Cons- You may just fall into one category, you may just focus on the audience you are attracting as opposed to those you aren't. You could potentially be to focus on the competition as opposed to your own target audience.