Graphics Reference
In-Depth Information
On occasion I have heard students of animation say that using research
material in the form of reference material is in some way “cheating.” This
thinking is very wrong headed; for the life of me I fail to see how this can
be a reasonable assessment of the benefit of research or the proper use of
reference material. How else are we to gain knowledge about the real unless
we study the real? Once we have acquired such knowledge, are we not then
allowed to use and apply it?
In the most simple terms, research may be described as a search for
knowledge through a number of systematic processes and techniques.
Through research, we are able to formulate new ideas; through these new
ideas we are then able to develop new theories, and through these new
theories we are able to find solutions to the problems we face.
We may be able to separate research into two distinct areas. Though neither
one is better than the other, both may prove to have their benefits for our
work:
• Scientific research
• Artistic research
The scientific method of research is intended to provide the researcher with
scientific information that goes some way toward explaining aspects of nature
and the various properties nature displays, information that gives a rationale
for the phenomena we witness or experience. Knowledge and information
gathered through the scientific methods of research often form the basis for
the further development of existing theories or the creation of new ones.
The artistic research methods offer an alternative to methods that are of a
purely scientific nature. Such research may be considered practice-based
research, the subject of the research and the practice itself being one and the
same. Using this research method we can consider that undertaking the work
itself is a form of research through which we can gain a deeper understanding
of the practice, techniques, and methodologies.
Let's also look at two other distinctions in types of research: primary research
and secondary research.
Primary Research
Primary research
is a term that describes gaining information that does not
exist elsewhere. Primary research might involve direct action and observation
on the researcher's part, perhaps based on information and knowledge
already acquired. In this instance the research may be targeted at very specific
areas of interest based on that information. The exact manner in which the
information or material is collected is determined by the researcher and will
vary depending on the area of enquiry. This may require fieldwork, research
on location, or research under a very particular set of circumstances. Primary
research offers an opportunity to gather information in the most appropriate
