Methods of Collecting Data

Data is a type of information that is collected in raw form from a sample or collection for analysation. Technically, data are a set of values in a quantitative or qualitative form about anything such as any person, or any object. There are a variety of methods of collecting the data. Data collection is the process of gathering and arranging information from a particular sample or population. Different methods are used in real life to analyse and determine the data collected for analysation.

Data is a type of raw information used to analyse it and collect results. There are generally two types of data i.e., primary data collection method and Secondary data collection method. There are also other data types. 

Methods of Collecting data 

The data is classified on various bases. There are basically two types of data collection methods. They are primary data and secondary data. 

Primary data is the type of data collection in which firsthand information is collected directly face to face by the researchers or analysts. The primary data is collected directly from the sources. This type of data has more accuracy as it is gathered personally. Primary data is classified as qualitative and quantitative data. Qualitative data is the information that is expressed as the result of defining the attributes of the population, whereas quantitative data is expressed as the result of measuring or counting the attributes of the population.

Secondary data is the type of data collection in which readily available information is available in the online portals or other sources after assessing the primary data collected. This kind of data may not be accurate sometimes, thus causing an error in the types of data collected.

The Importance of Collecting Data

There is a variety of significance in data collection. Accurate and clear data will help you to understand and assess the situation in a better way and to take the decisions accordingly. The importance of collecting data is as follows:

• Improving the understanding of the audience: Different people possess different senses of understanding. It may be unclear to the audience what is being convicted of them. So, it is important to collect data and assess it according to the audience.
• Identification of areas for improvement: The collection of data helps in the identification of the areas that may need any type of improvement or modification.
• Better assessment: Data collection can help in the proper and better assessment of the knowledge or information required.
• Accuracy: Data collection helps to identify accurate information from reliable sources which result in the proper assessment without any kind of faults or errors.

Types of Data Collection

There are various types or techniques of data collection. Primary data is collected directly from the source. The most popular and common types of data collection techniques have been discussed below.

Qualitative data collection methods

This method of collecting data does not involve any mathematical or numerical form of data. It is completely collected on the basis of quality.

• Interview method: Data collection is done by verbal communication. It includes face to face interviews, telephonic interviews, and computer-assisted interviews.
• Questionnaire method of collecting data: It is conducted by doing a survey through preparing a series of questions. It includes a web-based questionnaire and a mail-based questionnaire.
• Observation method: The data is collected directly through observation.
• Document review method: In this, the data is collected from the documents which have the past information of the sample.

Quantitative data collection methods

Quantity refers to the numerical or mathematical value or a certain number. This method of collecting data expresses the data in numbers and figures. After collecting the data, the desired result can be achieved by using some kind of mathematical or statistical tool. The techniques or types of data collection used here are probability surveys, conducting interviews, etc.

Various Sources of Collecting Secondary Data

Although primary data are considered as the most important authentic data collection, secondary data is also authentic and valuable in some or other areas. The various sources of collecting secondary data are

• Government websites and records
• Books and other published sources
• Newspapers and other printed medium
• Internet websites
• Personal blogs
• News and advertisements

Conclusion

Data is the type of information collected through different researches or surveys. Data collection is the process of collecting and arranging important information from a particular sample or population. There are two types of data collection methods i.e., primary data collection method and secondary data collection method. Primary data are collected face to face through the help of interviews, questionnaires or surveys, personal observation, and document records. Secondary data are the type of data collection that is collected from different secondary mediums and may be less accurate. Different sources of collecting secondary data include printed mediums like books, newspapers, news, personal blogs, government websites and records etc.