Using demographics in a Case Study

Purpose

Our team was given the task to find a likely winner of America’s Got Talent

Method

When we received this assignment we began to brainstorm about what we would need to focus on in order to determine who is an ideal champion of AGT. We decided it would be best to focus our efforts on studying the past winners of AGT. We compiled lists of data about each contestant from their age to their gender as well as their individual backstories.

Data

When looking at previous winners we made note of their talent, gender, age and ethnicity. After we had organized the data it was clear to see that there were similarities between several past winners. Based upon that data we concluded that the most common talent is singing since more than half of the winners sung. The preferred gender is male with only 31 percent of the champions being female. There are a wide range of ages from eleven to fifty five with the mean being twenty eight. When looking at ethnicity nine out of thirteen champions are Caucasian. Which is very interesting when you consider that according the the 2010 census that 73 percent of Americans identified as white.

Furthered Research

After looking at the basic demographics of the previous champions it was clear to see that there was a preferred “type” who won. However it would not make sense to stop the study at this point for there are many variables that play a role in a contestants success.

We thought it would be important to look into the backstories of the previous champions because the audience only knows the contestants to a certain point. Their backstories are incredibly important to make themselves seem
sympathetic and relatable. If the audience genuinely cares for the success of a contestant their chances of winning
drastically increases.

After reviewing each contestants backstory it was clear that most of the audience was able to connect to these
champions because their dreams and struggles are universal. They enjoy to see hard work being rewarded and under dogs having a chance to win and shine.

The reaction of the judges and audience within the vicinity could also have reasonable impacts on who wins. If Simon Cowell who is rarely impressed gives an amazed reaction to the contestant, this would capture the attention of those viewing at home because they are seeing a shrewd “talent expert” be amazed and that could be one of the largest reasons to cheer on and support a contestant. The unique reaction marks the contestant as unique and praiseworthy.

Below is a list of the most common narratives in each contestants back story.

Results

After reviewing the demographics and the personal narratives of the champions we are able to piece together a likely winner of AGT. So, what does a likely winner of AGT look like? Someone who is likely to win is a white male singer/musician around the age of 28. This contestant must also have a compelling narrative that the audience can relate to and sympathize with. The contestant will have an even higher chance of winning if they draw out unique reactions from the judges.

Moving Forward

When working on this project we were using only public information to support our claims. We believe that if we are able to have access to more information that is kept within the company we would be able to produce even more accurate results. Information like the amount of votes the past winners received compared to their competitors and where are the vast majority of the votes are coming from. With information like this we could understand even more what your audience wants from future contestants.

Jeremiah Bradshaw is a student in the Digital Media program at Utah Valley University, Orem Utah, studying Interaction & Design. The following article relates to (AGT Project) in the (DGM 1240 Course) and representative of the skills learned.