Definition
Data collection involves obtaining information from multiple sources to address relevant questions, conclude findings, and guide decisions.
There are many methods of collecting data, from interviews and surveys to content analysis and observation. Data collection is widespread in industries where data supports decision-making, including retail, healthcare, and finance.
Data Collection Types
- Observations: This involves watching and recording user behaviours and events in real-time.
- Interviews: This involves interviewing people one-on-one or in a group to understand the topic at hand. It can be structured (with a set list of questions) or unstructured.
- Focus group: People in a focus group are asked about their opinions, attitudes, beliefs, and perceptions toward a concept, service, or product.
- Experiments: Experiments are systematic investigations to explore cause-and-effect relationships.
- Case studies: This involves performing an in-depth analysis of a specific case.
- Document and content analysis: This involves reviewing documents, records, and other textual materials instead of sourcing information from actual people.
- Existing databases: Some researchers use already gathered data, including census data.
Data Collection and Online Privacy
- Always read the privacy policies before downloading an app or signing up for a service.
- Pay attention to the data being collected about you and the reasons behind it.
- Organisations may gather personal information through apps, so always read app permissions and be mindful of the data you share with these apps.
- Learn the basics of online privacy and popular data collection techniques.
- Websites may collect data on you using trackers and cookies. So, always delete cookies and use anti-tracking software for more privacy.