underlying need for Data collection is to capture quality evidence that seeks to answer all the questions.

Through data collection

business can deduce quality information that is a prerequisite for making informed decisions.
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

Types of Data Collection 

It is pertinent to note that data collection falls under two broad categories; Primary data collection and secondary data collection.

Secondary Data Collection

Secondary data collection, is referred to as the gathering of second-hand data collected by an individual who is not the original
user. It is the process of collecting data that is already existing, be it already published books, journals and/or online portals. In
terms of ease, it is much less expensive and easier to collect.

Your choice between Primary data collection and secondary data collection depend on the nature, scope and area of your research
as well as its aims and objectives. 

Primary Data Collection

Primary data collection 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 

 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.

It covers mostly the images, videos, texts, and written or spoken words by the people. You can opt for any digital data
collection methods, like structured or semi-structured surveys, or settle for the traditional approach comprising
individual interviews, group discussions, etc. 

 Quantitative Method

are presented in numbers and require a mathematical calculation. the use of a questionnaire with close-ended questions
Importance of Data Collection

What is a Data Collection Tool?

Data collection tools refer to the devices/instruments used to collect data,

 paper questionnaire.

 Case Studies,

 Checklists,

 Interviews,

 Observation

 Surveys are all tools used to collect data.

It is important to decide 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 questions that have been posed.

INTERVIEW

An interview is a face-to-face conversation between two individuals with the sole purpose of collecting relevant information to
satisfy a research purpose. Interviews are of different types namely; 

 Structured,

 Semi-structured and 

 unstructured 

When designing an interview schedule it is imperative to ask questions that are likely to yield as much information
about the study phenomenon as possible and also be able to address the aims and objectives of the research. In a
qualitative interview, good questions should be open-ended (ie, require more than a yes/no answer), neutral,
sensitive and understandable.2 It is usually best to start with questions that participants can answer easily and then
proceed to more difficult or sensitive topics.2 This can help put respondents at ease, build up confidence and rapport
and often generates rich data that subsequently develops the interview further.

Qualitative research interviews

There are three fundamental types of research interviews: structured, semi-structured and unstructured.
Structured interviews are, essentially, verbally administered questionnaires, in which a list of predetermined questions
are asked, with little or no variation and with no scope for follow-up questions to responses that warrant further
elaboration. usually completed within a short period. For speed and efficiency, it is highly recommendable, but it lacks depth.
Consequently, they are relatively quick and easy to administer and may be of particular use if clarification of certain
questions are required or if there are likely to be literacy or numeracy problems with the respondents. However, by
their very nature, they only allow for limited participant responses and are, therefore, of little use if 'depth' is required.
Conversely, unstructured interviews do not reflect any preconceived theories or ideas and are performed with little or
no organisation. an in-depth interview that allows the researcher to collect a wide range of information with a
purpose. An advantage of this method is the freedom it gives a researcher to combine structure with flexibility even
. 
though it is more time-consuming Unstructured interviews are usually very time-consuming (often lasting several
hours) and can be difficult to manage, and to participate in, as the lack of predetermined interview questions provides
little guidance on what to talk about (which many participants find confusing and unhelpful). Their use is, therefore,
generally only considered where significant 'depth' is required, or where virtually nothing is known about the subject
area (or a different perspective of a known subject area is required).
Semi-structured interviews consist of several key questions that help to define the areas to be explored, but also
allows the interviewer or interviewee to diverge in order to pursue an idea or response in more detail.2 This interview
format is used most frequently in healthcare, as it provides participants with some guidance on what to talk about,
which many find helpful. The flexibility of this approach, particularly compared to structured interviews, also allows for
the discovery or elaboration of information that is important to participants but may not have previously been thought
of as pertinent by the research team.
For example, in a recent dental public heath study,5 school children in Cardiff, UK were interviewed about their food
choices and preferences. A key finding that emerged from semi-structured interviews, which was not previously
thought to be as highly influential as the data subsequently confirmed, was the significance of peer-pressure in
influencing children's food choices and preferences. This finding was also established primarily through follow-up
questioning (eg probing interesting responses with follow-up questions, such as 'Can you tell me a bit more about
that?') and, therefore, may not have emerged in the same way, if at all, if asked as a predetermined question.

The purpose of research interviews

The purpose of the research interview is to explore the views, experiences, beliefs and/or motivations of individuals
on specific matters (eg factors that influence their attendance at the dentist). Qualitative methods, such as interviews,
are believed to provide a 'deeper' understanding of social phenomena than would be obtained from purely
quantitative methods, such as questionnaires.1 Interviews are, therefore, most appropriate where little is already
known about the study phenomenon or where detailed insights are required from individual participants. They are
also particularly appropriate for exploring sensitive topics, where participants may not want to talk about such issues
in a group environment.

Developing the interview

Before an interview takes place, respondents should be informed about the study details and given assurance about
ethical principles, such as anonymity and confidentiality.2 This gives respondents some idea of what to expect from
the interview, increases the likelihood of honesty and is also a fundamental aspect of the informed consent process.

Wherever possible, interviews should be conducted in areas free from distractions and at times and locations that are
most suitable for participants. For many this may be at their own home in the evenings. Whilst researchers may have
less control over the home environment, familiarity may help the respondent to relax and result in a more productive
interview.9 Establishing rapport with participants prior to the interview is also important as this can also have a
positive effect on the subsequent development of the interview.

When conducting the actual interview it is prudent for the interviewer to familiarise themselves with the interview
schedule, so that the process appears more natural and less rehearsed. However, to ensure that the interview is as
productive as possible, researchers must possess a repertoire of skills and techniques to ensure that comprehensive
and representative data are collected during the interview.10 One of the most important skills is the ability to listen
attentively to what is being said, so that participants are able to recount their experiences as fully as possible, without
unnecessary interruptions.
important skills include adopting open and emotionally neutral body language, nodding, smiling, looking interested
and making encouraging noises (eg, 'Mmmm') during the interview. it is also wise to seek clarification from
respondents if it is unclear what they mean

use of 'leading' or 'loaded' questions that may unduly influence responses should always be avoided

At the end of the interview it is important to thank participants for their time and ask them if there is anything they
would like to add. This gives respondents an opportunity to deal with issues that they have thought about, or think
are important but have not been dealt with by the interviewer.9 This can often lead to the discovery of new,
unanticipated information.

 interviews should be tape recorded and transcribed verbatim afterwards, as this protects against bias and provides a
permanent record of what was and was not said.8 It is often also helpful to make 'field notes' during and immediately
after each interview about observations, thoughts and ideas about the interview, as this can help in data analysis
process.

The concept of Existing data means that data is collected from existing sources to investigate research questions other than those
for which the data were originally gathered. Tools to collect existing data include: 

 Research Journals - Unlike newspapers and magazines, research journals are intended for an academic or technical
audience, not general readers. A journal is a scholarly publication containing articles written by researchers, professors,
and other experts. 
 Surveys - A survey is a data collection tool for gathering information from a sample population, with the intention of
generalizing the results to a larger population. Surveys have a variety of purposes and can be carried out in many ways
depending on the objectives to be achieved.

OBSERVATION

This is a data collection method by which information on a phenomenon is gathered through observation. 

Pros

 Easy to administer.
 There subsists a greater accuracy with results.
 It is a universally accepted practice.
 It diffuses the situation of an unwillingness of respondents to administer a report.
 It is appropriate for certain situations.

Cons

 It cannot be relied upon.

 Bias may arise.
 It is expensive to administer.
 Its validity cannot be predicted accurately.

Observation involves the active acquisition of information from a primary source. Observation can also involve the perception
and recording of data via the use of scientific instruments. The best tools for Observation are:
  Checklists - state specific criteria, allow users to gather information and make judgments about what they should know
in relation to the outcomes. They offer systematic ways of collecting data about specific behaviors, knowledge, and
skills.
 Direct observation - This is an observational study method of collecting evaluative information. The evaluator
watches the subject in his or her usual environment without altering that environment.

There are two main types of observation,

 Covert: In this method, the observer is concealed without letting anyone know that they are being observed.
For example, a researcher studying the rituals of a wedding in nomadic tribes must join them as a guest and
quietly see everything that goes around him. 
 Overt: In this method, everyone is aware that they are being watched. For example, A researcher or an
observer wants to study the wedding rituals of a nomadic tribe. To proceed with the research, the observer or
researcher can reveal why he is attending the marriage and even use a video camera to shoot everything around
him. 

FOCUS GROUP.

this data collection method focuses more on qualitative research. It falls under the primary category for data based on the feelings
and opinions of the respondents. This research involves asking open-ended questions to a group of individuals usually ranging
from 6-10 people, to provide feedback.

Pros

 Information obtained is usually very detailed.

 Cost-effective when compared to one-on-one interviews.
 It reflects speed and efficiency in the supply of results.

Cons

 Lacking depth in covering the nitty-gritty of a subject matter.

 Bias might still be evident.
 Requires interviewer training
 The researcher has very little control over the outcome.
 A few vocal voices can drown out the rest.
 Difficulty in assembling an all-inclusive group.

What are the best Data Collection Tools for Focus Groups?

A focus group is a data collection method that is tightly facilitated and structured around a set of questions. The purpose of the
meeting is to extract from the participants' detailed responses to these questions. The best tools for tackling Focus groups are: 

 Two-Way - One group watches another group answer the questions posed by the moderator. After listening to what the
other group has to offer, the group that listens are able to facilitate more discussion and could potentially draw different
conclusions.
 Dueling-Moderator - There are two moderators who play the devil’s advocate. The main positive of the dueling-
moderator focus group is to facilitate new ideas by introducing new ways of thinking and varying viewpoints.

https://www.questionpro.com/blog/qualitative-data-collection-methods/

Qualitative surveys: 
 To develop an informed hypothesis, many researchers use qualitative surveys for data collection or to collect a piece
of detailed information about a product or an issue. If you want to create questionnaires for collecting textual or
qualitative data, then ask more open-ended questions. To answer such questions, the respondent has to write his/her
opinion or perspective concerning a specific topic or issue. Unlike other qualitative data collection methods, online
surveys have a wider reach wherein many people can provide you quality data that is highly credible and valuable. 

 Paper surveys
The paper questionnaires are frequently used for qualitative data collection from the participants. The survey consists
of short text questions, which are often open-ended. These questions’ motive is to collect as much detailed
information as possible in the respondents’ own words. More often, the survey questionnaires are designed to collect
standardized data hence used to collect responses from a larger population or large sample size. 

 Online surveys 
An online survey or a web survey is prepared using a prominent online survey software and either uploaded in a
website or emailed to the selected sample size with a motive to collect reliable online data. Instead of writing down
responses, the respondents use computers and keyboards to type their answers. With an online survey
questionnaire, it becomes easier and smoother to collect qualitative data. In addition to that, online surveys have a
wider reach, and the respondent is not pressurized to answer each question under the interviewer’s supervision. One
of the significant benefits that online surveys offer is that they allow the respondents to take the survey on any device,
be it a desktop, tablet, or mobile.