Data Collection and its Techniques or Types in Research

Back to: Research Methodology or Methodology of educational research

Defining Data Collection

More than merely gathering data or composing a description, research is a highly specialized endeavour. It entails the focused collecting of data, which is then extensively analyzed to yield answers to research questions and assess the outcomes. Regardless of the subject matter, data collecting is the core of any research strategy. Every research project starts with a set of questions that must be addressed. Data collection is the act of carefully acquiring the desired information with the least amount of distortion possible so that the research can provide conclusions that are reliable and make sense.

Types of data collection:

There are two types of data:   

• Primary Data  
•  Secondary Data

1. Primary Data: Primary data is information that the researcher has personally collected. Since there are no earlier records of the data that the public may obtain, the researcher deliberately gathers this information. A variety of techniques, including surveys, interviews, focus groups, and more, can be used to gather primary data. Such information is regarded as being very trustworthy.
2. Secondary Data: Secondary data is information that has been gathered and prepared by someone and is available to the general public. It is the information that the researcher gathered through earlier research and other resources. When primary information is subsequently used in another research project, it is referred to as secondary information. Official data, demographic information, departmental records, etc. are examples of secondary data. In comparison to using main data, using secondary data is less expensive and faster.