Data collection refers to the process by which information is gathered and measured in a systematic manner so that one can test the hypothesis, provide answers for research questions, and so on. Further, this aspect of research applies to every field of study like humanities, physical science, business, social science, etc. though the methods vary according to the concerned discipline. The sole aim of data collection is to search for evidence which could be analysed and credible answers could be derived for the research questions.
Regardless of whether the data is qualitative or quantitative, there should be accuracy in collecting data in order to maintain the authenticity of research. The choice of suitable instruments for collecting data minimizes the possibility of occurrence of errors.
A standard process for data collection is essential in order to ensure that the data is accurate and the findings based on this are valid. If the data collected is inaccurate, you cannot provide answers for the research questions properly and also, the study cannot be replicated and validated. Improper findings cause wastage of resources and mislead other people who want to follow the same procedure.
After collecting data, you can deal with it in a number of ways. This includes grouping the information received from different observations and sources, making duplicates of audio and video recordings, etc. Further, the information including numbers and narratives could be transferred to a computer program so that it could be sorted out in different ways. All these methods help in safeguarding the data. For performing operations involving mathematics, you need to have quantitative information. This is carried out by means of charts, spreadsheets, tables, etc. The qualitative data which cannot be expressed in numerical terms are processed using a software program. This process is known as coding.
To sum it up, collection of data should be done in a careful manner in order to validate the research findings.
