Overview of Statistics:: || Intro. to Statistics and Data::

Outline:

Introduction

The practice of gathering and measuring information on certain variables is known as data collection. It is carried out in order to answer queries or test theories. Researchers can utilize a range of different data collection methods to get information. While each method has its own set of benefits and downsides, some are better suited to specific situations than others.

Data assists you in making well-informed judgments. When it comes to managing various aspects of your organization, the more relevant data you have, the more likely you are to make excellent judgments.

Sources of Data

Primary and secondary data are the two types of data that can be obtained. The former is gathered by a researcher using first-hand sources, whereas the latter is gathered by someone other than the user. By definition, primary data collection is the gathering of raw data at the source. It is the process of gathering original data gathered by a researcher for the aim of a certain study project. Secondary data collection, on the other hand, refers to the gathering of data from a source other than the original user. It is the process of gathering information from previously published books, periodicals, and/or web portals. It is substantially less expensive and easier to collect in terms of convenience.

IMPORTANCE OF DATA COLLECTION

There are a variety of purposes for gathering data, particularly for a researcher. Here are a few reasons to walk you through them:

  • Research Integrity - One of the most important reasons for collecting data, whether quantitative or qualitative, is to ensure that the integrity of the research topic is preserved.
  • Reduce the chances of making mistakes - The correct application of appropriate data collection procedures decreases the risk of inaccuracies in the results.
  • Acquire a better grasp of your target audience - Data collection allows you to have a better understanding of your target audience, their needs, pain spots, and expectations.
  • Look for areas where you can improve - Data gives you insight into how well your firm is doing and allows you to identify opportunities for improvement.

    • What are your thoughts on this matter? Do you have your own reasons for gathering information?

    Methods of Collecting Data

    Although data can be useful, too much information can be cumbersome, and incorrect data is useless. The correct data collection approach can mean the difference between time-saving diversions and helpful insights.

    Data Collection Tool

    The devices/instruments used to collect data, such as a paper questionnaire or a computer-assisted interviewing system, are referred to as data collecting tools. Because research is conducted in a variety of ways and for a variety of reasons, it is critical to choose the tools for data collecting. The goal of data collecting is to gather high-quality evidence that can be analyzed to produce convincing and reliable responses to the questions addressed.

    Here are the top data collection methods:

  • Direct or interview method-In this method of data collection, the informants (those from whom the information is to be acquired) are approached face to face. The interviewer asks them survey-related questions and gathers the information needed.
  • Indirect or questionnaires method-This method entails mailing a well-written and easy-to-understand questionnaire to the person in issue, along with a request to complete the questions and return the questionnaire. The covering letter clearly explains the aim of the survey and assures that the information supplied will be kept private.
  • Registration Method-This method entails the continuous, permanent, and mandatory recording of important events, as well as certain identifying or descriptive characteristics, as required by each country's civil code, laws, or regulations.
  • Observation method-A method for observing and describing a subject's behavior is characterized as the observation method. It is a method of gathering useful information and data through observation, as the name implies.
  • Focus group discussion method-This approach is a methodology in which a researcher gathers a group of people to debate a given issue, with the goal of eliciting the participants' complicated personal experiences, beliefs, perceptions, and attitudes through mediated interaction (Cornwall & Jewkes, 1995; Hayward, Simpson, & Wood, 2004; Israel, Schulz, Parker, & Becker, 1998; Kitzinger, 1994; Morgan, 1996).

    • What are your thoughts on this matter? Do you have your own methods for gathering data?

    Relevant Topics must watch here!:Methods of Collecting Data

    Qualitative research data collection methods

    Ethnographic, theory-based, and phenomenological data gathering are the three most prevalent qualitative data collection approaches.

  • Ethnography-Anthropology is the study of human civilizations and cultures, and ethnography is a branch of anthropology. Ethnography aims to learn about people's daily life. Researchers utilize this strategy to avoid the precise and practical inquiries used by typical market researchers and instead watch the participants in an undirected manner. This method is designed to disclose actions from the perspective of the subject rather than the researchers.
  • Grounded theory-This method developed from sociology academics' desire to give qualitative research more validity by grounding it in reality rather than assumptions. Prior to this method, qualitative data analysis was performed before any quantitative data was obtained, making it separate from the data collecting and analysis process.
  • Phenomenology-This approach analyzes how people react to specific situations or experiences. This method assesses responses to events that are out of the ordinary, therefore it's critical to comprehend the entire picture, not just the facts and data.

    • "What procedures do you use to acquire data? I'd want to hear your ideas on data collection methods in the comment section below."

    References:

  • https://www.scribbr.com/methodology/data-collection/
  • https://www.formpl.us/blog/data-collection-method
  • https://www.opinionstage.com/survey/data-collection-methods/
  • https://journals.rcni.com/nurse-researcher/commentary/collecting-data-in-research-nr.27.2.6.s2/abs
  • https://www.jotform.com/data-collection-methods/

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