Data Collection Methods & Tools for Research
What is Data Collection?
Data collection is a methodical process of gathering and analyzing specific
information to proffer solutions to relevant questions and evaluate the results. It
focuses on finding out all there is to a particular subject matter. Data is collected to
be further subjected to hypothesis testing which seeks to explain a phenomenon.
Hypothesis testing eliminates assumptions while making a proposition from the
basis of reason.
For collectors of data, there is a range of outcomes for which the data is collected.
But the key purpose for which data is collected is to put a researcher in a vantage
position to make predictions about future probabilities and trends.
The core forms in which data can be collected are primary and secondary data.
While the former is collected by a researcher through first-hand sources, the latter is
collected by an individual other than the user.
Types of Data Collection
Before broaching the subject of the various types of data collection. It is pertinent to
note that data collection in itself falls under two broad categories; Primary data
collection and secondary data collection.
Primary Data Collection
Primary data collection by definition is the gathering of raw data collected at the
source. It is a process of collecting the original data collected by a researcher for a
specific research purpose. It could be further analyzed into two segments;
qualitative research and quantitative data collection methods.
Qualitative Research Method
The qualitative research methods of data collection do not involve the collection of
data that involves numbers or a need to be deduced through a mathematical
calculation, rather it is based on the non-quantifiable elements like the feeling or
emotion of the researcher. An example of such a method is an open-ended
questionnaire.
Quantitative Method
Quantitative methods are presented in numbers and require a mathematical
calculation to deduce. An
example would be the use
of a questionnaire with close-
ended questions to arrive
at figures to be calculated
Mathematically. Also,
methods of correlation
and regression, mean, mode
and median.
Importance of Data Collection
There are a bunch of underlying reasons for collecting data, especially for a
researcher. Walking you through them, here are a few reasons;
Integrity of the Research
A key reason for collecting data, be it through quantitative or qualitative methods is
to ensure that the integrity of the research question is indeed maintained.
Reduce the likelihood of errors
The correct use of appropriate data collection of methods reduces the likelihood of
errors consistent with the results.
Decision Making
To minimize the risk of errors in decision-making, it is important that accurate data
is collected so that the researcher doesn’t make uninformed decisions.
Save Cost and Time
Data collection saves the researcher time and funds that would otherwise be
misspent without a deeper understanding of the topic or subject matter.
To support a need for a new idea, change, and/or innovation
To prove the need for a change in the norm or the introduction of new information
that will be widely accepted, it is important to collect data as evidence to support
these claims.
What is a Data Collection Tool?
Data collection tools refer to the devices/instruments used to collect data, such as a
paper questionnaire or computer-assisted interviewing system. Case Studies,
Checklists, Interviews, Observation sometimes, and Surveys or Questionnaires are
all tools used to collect data.
It is important to decide on the tools for data collection because research is carried
out in different ways and for different purposes. The objective behind data collection
is to capture quality evidence that allows analysis to lead to the formulation of
convincing and credible answers to the posed questions.
The Formplus online data collection tool is perfect for gathering primary data, i.e.
raw data collected from the source. You can easily get data with at least three data
collection methods with our online and offline data-gathering tool. I.e Online
Questionnaires, Focus Groups, and Reporting.
In our previous articles, we’ve explained why quantitative research methods are
more effective than qualitative methods. However, with the Formplus data
collection tool, you can gather all types of primary data for academic, opinion or
product research.