Data collection is an important part of the research process, whether in the financial, manufacturing, medical, education or any other sector. Professionals in almost every industry need data for proper research, and for drawing statistical and conceptual conclusions. There are different methods used for data collection, such as;

Observational data

This is data obtained with the help of observational skills. Data, in this case, is gathered by visiting a place and taking down all the details, observed by the researcher, important for research. Observational studies help in determining the actual cause and effect relationship. However, these cannot regulate how various subjects are allotted to various groups.

Personal Interviews

Personal interviews increase data authenticity and help in gathering first-hand information. However, when a large number of the population is to be interviewed, it is not useful.

Questionnaires

These tend to be most useful while questioning a specific class. Researchers prepare a questionnaire according to data-collection requirements and forward it to their responders.

Experiments

These are controlled studies where researchers attempt to determine the relation between cause and effect, and how one thing is affected by another. Researchers carry out actual field experiments — which are mainly the case in science and manufacturing. It is an effective way to get a deeper understanding of the subject that is under research.

Group Discussions

It is a method of data collection in which researchers write down important details gathered from the thoughts of a specific group. Based on the data gathered from the group discussion, the researchers arrive at a conclusion about the topics of research that has been debated on.

Census

This is a case study that gathers data from each member of a population. In most cases, censuses are not very practical — owing to the enormous expense and time that goes into them.

Sample Survey

It is a case study gathering data from just a subset of the whole population, and not each member. This is contrary to a census and is more efficient and practical to conduct. However, the accuracy of the results might not be high. While using this technique, for the best results it might be more suitable to categorize your target audience into subsets and obtain a sample set from every sub-category. For example, various ethnic groups can be various categories.

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