Research Methodology
Deciding the scope of the research was the first task that we were assigned. Initially, we were presented with map of the Bigg Market which provided us spatially with a large area to research, however what area we actually defined as the ‘Bigg Market’ was left to our own discretion. Upon beginning our research and questionnaires it quickly became apparent that our scope would be decided for us. The general consensus was that people associated the Bigg Market solely with the central rectangle that cuts through the heart of the area as shown in Figure 1 below. People generally associated the side streets (e.g. Pudding Chare) as a separate area completely with their own unique characteristics. In light of this feedback, it was decided that our research would be focused entirely on this area of the Bigg Market.
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Figure 1: Defined Research Area
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With regard to the scope of our historical research and data collection, it was agreed that we would only collect information from 1960 onwards. It was acknowledged that due to resource and time constraints, it would have been impossible for us to take on a greater timespan. This timespan was subsequently agreed with both the University and NE1. However, to provide a complete picture of the Bigg Market over the past 150 years, a brief history section was included on the website.
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For our primary data collection, it was decided that the most efficient method to gauge public opinion would be to directly speak to the users of the Bigg Market. After careful consideration, questionnaires were deemed to be the most appropriate method due to the quick and easy nature of their form. Initially, a draft of the questionnaire was piloted for approximately an hour within the Bigg Market. Once taken back for analysis, the results highlighted that certain questions we posed didn’t provide us with the data we were tasked to find. Subsequently, it was decided that we would revise the questionnaire before conducting our final data research. In total, fifty questionnaires were completed by members of the public, with forty day-time and ten night-time results. These questionnaires were conducted between the hours of 13.00 and 21.00 on the 13th and the 17th of October.
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To provide our research with a professional perspective, interviews were conducted with chosen subjects. Ian Ayris from Newcastle City Council and Jules Brown from the North of England Civic Trust were selected in order to provide us with both historical and contemporary insight into the area. The interviews were conducted in a semi-structured manner, with a base set of questions prepared, but the room provided for the interview to lead its own path, with gentle steering required if necessary. Additional interviews with local business owners, an estate agent and the chief executive of NE1 are pending response.
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Secondary qualitative data was collected primarily via the analysis of historic newspaper articles, dating back to the year 2000. Each article published by The Chronicle and national newspapers over that time period was noted and analysed in order to provide us with a media perspective of the Bigg Market. In addition to this, policy documents were reviewed, alongside historical papers to provide us with a deepened knowledge of the area.
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All information that was gathered over the course of this research project is collated within this website. The website provides readers with a robust spectrum of the way that the general public, the media and professionals interpret the Bigg Market in 2016. Complete with interactive maps, graphs and blogs, the website is intended to be as accessible and engaging as possible. For the benefit of NE1, the website is also set up in a way that can be taken on and developed over time as the Bigg Market undergoes its regeneration scheme.
