Critical approaches task 1

Quantitative research
Quantitative research uses numbers in order to gather information about certain topics. Things such at graphs and statistics are classed as quantitative research. In a political campaign quantitative research is very important and is used to identify audience demographics such as age and yearly income so that each candidate knows exactly which type of person they are attracting and how they can do a better job both with ensuring they keep that demographic on board whilst also attracting other demographics if possible.
For example in the 2016 presidential election Donald Trumps main age demographic target was middle aged. So he catered to ensure that he would not lose there vote by promising to change things that would effect them the most. For example he promised that he would stop jobs from leaving America and encourage companies to come back to the states to do business. Many areas that support Trump used to be primarily industrial areas but in recent years much industry has closed down to set up shop else where meaning people lose there jobs. By promising to bring Jobs back he is securing the middle aged vote as they and there children are the ones who have been mostly effected by this issue.

Qualitative research
Qualitative research is used in order to gain more knowledge on specific topics of interest. Examples of qualitative research would be things such as focus groups, questionnaires and any other form of primary research that offers extra detail. In a political campaign qualitative research is very important in order to understand exactly what the people whos votes you are trying to gain want from you. Using qualitative research helps candidates to determine exactly what policies they wish to include and what things they wish to change if they get into power.
For example before running for president Hillary Clinton will have conducted many surveys and focus groups in order to find out what type of things the people that she wishes to target want to change. From there she would have been able to mould a stronger campaign with clear points of change highlighted by her selected audience. Hillary's main target audience is women and one of Hillarys policies that suggest she has taken feed back from that group is her policies on gun control. Most of the female population of America believe that there needs to be stricter gun laws in place and feel uncomfortable with guns in the house, this clearly shows that Hillary has listened to her audience and made changes accordingly.

Audience classifications
Audience classifications are used to categories different groups of people into more manageable segments. Things such as demographics and psychographics are all taken into account when creating audience classifications. Within elections audience classifications are vital in order to make clear exactly who each party is trying to attract.