Data Gathering Methods: Be a Data Gathering Expert With These Tips, Tricks, and Techniques

Due to the relevance of data, nearly every profession requires some level of research. Research primarily requires gathering data. To gather the right data, you must use suitable data gathering techniques. Whether you are gathering primary data or second-hand data, this guide will teach you how to learn data gathering using qualitative and quantitative data collection methods.

According to Statista, there were about 4.66 billion active Internet users worldwide in 2021. That means nearly 59 percent of the world’s population has an online presence. This research was conducted using qualitative data collection methods, the results of which will enable companies, governments, and individuals to make better decisions.

Data gathering and data collection techniques are used across a variety of industries from science to business to information technology. This guide will examine the best data gathering methods, provide key tips on how to gather data, and present our top five data gathering ideas.

Best Data Gathering Technique Examples

We have put together eight of the best data gathering methods. These techniques or collection methods range from qualitative data collection methods, such as focus groups and observations, to quantitative data collection methods, such as questionnaires and surveys.

Qualitative data collection methods collect data that can be observed and recorded and is non-numerical. Quantitative data collection methods collect statistical data that has a numerical value. Quantitative data collection methods analyze and quantify behaviors, attitudes, and opinions to test hypotheses.

Questionnaires and surveys

Questionnaires and surveys are usually given to respondents using physical or electronic forms with closed-ended questions. Ordinal data is the most common data-gathering technique used to conduct surveys. Furthermore, numerical values can be assigned to the data to make the analysis faster. This is regarded as one of the most effective primary data collection methods.

Unlike interviews, where open-ended questions are issued, this method of closed-end questions means follow-up questions are not asked. However, while surveys can be conducted as interviews with closed-ended questions, surveys are mainly conducted using online forms.

Interviews

This is the most common method of data gathering and is regarded as one of the most effective data collection techniques. However, in-person interview questions must be structured in the right way to make this method of data gathering effective. This is because in-person interviews are one of the more expensive data gathering techniques. Despite the costs, interviews are preferred over other methods of primary data collection as it is more responsive and customizable.

The process of drafting a series of questions is a difficult task, but the questions depend on the type of data collection method being used. When using qualitative data collection methods, interviews use open-ended questions and encourage follow-up questions. Interviews used for quantitative data collection methods will have standardized questions that are more closed-ended.

Observations

Unlike interviews, observations do not require questions. This technique is more subjective and involves the judgment of the researcher or observer. Naturalistic observation is used to collect both qualitative and quantitative data whereas structured observation is used to collect quantitative data only. The method of direct observation is commonly used by businesses.

However, there can be potential problems with this method if the variables in a study or research require the observer to make a distinction. These observation results can also be unreliable if the researcher incorrectly counts the number of variables at a given time. Therefore, critical thinking skills and keen observation skills are vital for researchers who partake in this data-gathering technique.

Focus groups

Focus groups are one of the most common qualitative primary data collection methods. This method is more cost-effective when compared to interviews but it may involve bias or lack the depth of one-on-one interview sessions when covering important areas of a subject matter.

This collection method involves asking open-ended questions to a particular group of participants. The group usually contains six to 10 people who provide feedback at the end of a session. The information provided by focus groups is detailed and often leads to an efficient and speedy supply of results.

Documents and records

In this technique, a considerable amount of data is collected without asking respondents questions. Instead, this method uses existing data such as meeting minutes, financial statements, job application forms, check sheets, and attendance records.

This data collection technique is inexpensive and efficient as the data being used has already been collected and is commonly used by business owners. However, since you have less control of the results, documents and records can be an incomplete source of data.

Oral histories

Oral histories are the recording, preservation, and interpretation of historical information gathered from personal experiences and opinions of people who were actively or passively involved in historical events. This technique is regarded as a holistic approach to an evaluation that involves the use of several techniques and it is linked to a single phenomenon in an event.

During the interview process, the researcher can be a confounding variable. This unintended variable can skew results through the introduction of bias or suggestions. Therefore, researchers conducting this data-gathering technique must be well informed and careful about the questions they ask and their conclusions.

Combination research

With this method of data gathering, you use innovative methods to enhance the participation of both groups and individuals. This qualitative data method involves the combination of focus groups and interviews. This method is very useful when the study involves sensitive subjects.

Existing data

Existing data is used to increase the overall strength of research and data gathering results. This secondary research includes gathering data from similar reports and documents. This information may be found in libraries, online forms, similar surveys, or websites. Existing data is used to further back-up research and enhance the results.

How to Gather Data

1. Identify and define the aim of your research. Before you begin your research, you must first identify what you want to achieve. You can start this by writing a problem statement. A problem statement will help you formulate further research questions. The kind of questions drafted will determine if you need quantitative or qualitative data.
2. Choose your method of data collection. Decide on the best method of data gathering or collection you want based on the kind of data you use. Quantitative methods are used for experimental research. Focus groups, interviews, and ethnographies are qualitative methods. Archival research, surveys, observations, and secondary data collection can be utilized as quantitative or qualitative data collection methods.
3. Outlay your data collection procedures. Data collection is not done randomly. You need to plan exactly how you will implement the data collection method you have chosen. Lay out the procedures you will follow to make accurate measurements or observations of the variables you have an interest in. It may be sampling, operationalization, or standardizing procedures.
4. Collect data. You can now implement your chosen data gathering technique to observe your variables. For example, if your data requires the perception of data administrators, you need to administer surveys or questionnaires with closed and open-ended questions to a chosen sample of data administrators across different work locations and departments.
5. Record your data. Data recording is one of the most important steps of the data gathering process. You must ensure that high-quality data is recorded safely and systematically. The most common issue with data collection is the lack of security around it. Information should be recorded as and when you obtain data. It should be double-checked for errors before assessing the reliability and validity of the data collected. This will ensure the quality of the data collected is high.

Data Gathering Ideas: Top 5 Tips to Master Data Gathering

If you are new to data gathering, it may take some time to master the skills and steps involved. Data gathering is one of the most important research skills you can learn to avoid potential errors during the research process. Continue reading for our top five tips to master data gathering.

Collect Maximum Information

The more data you can gather, the better insights your analysis can reveal. This will lead to more effective decisions, success for your business, and more accurate results. Collecting data from different platforms and channels is not always enough. You need to explore new ways from which you can gain valuable and reliable data about your variables.

Ensure Data Quality

You must always check for data quality because the more data you gather, the higher the chances you will have unreliable data. Therefore, you should implement a set of quality assurance processes to validate your data each time you receive a massive amount of information. The quality assurance will be an audit system that helps you verify and randomly check the data periodically.

Provide Security to Prevent Cyber Attacks

Data is a valuable asset for any organization and it should be managed securely. Due to the growing rate of cyber attacks and hacking, improving the security standard of your database is mandatory. Hackers can erase all of your data or steal it and sell it to your competitors.

You must implement strict data security tools and strategies to protect your information. Apply advanced security standards to your Master Data Management, which will enable you to manage all your internal files, insightful market data, and projects. Top cyber security bootcamps will help you learn the technical skills needed to protect your data.

Organize Your Data

If your data is unorganized you will be unable to derive any insight from it. Hence, you need to organize your data and simplify the storage and retrieval process so that information can easily be accessed when needed. This will reduce time spent sorting through information, help cut costs due to lost time, and maximize the efficiency of your research.

Ensure Quick Access Permission to Users

The primary purpose of data gathering is to provide usage and access to business executives and decision-makers when they need information. Data should be accessed based on the level of clearance. While senior executives should have access to high-profile information, entry-level executives should be limited to only the basic information at their level.

Are Data Gathering Techniques Worth Learning?

Yes, data gathering is worth learning. Gathering data will help you to store and analyze relevant data about your business, its existing and potential customers, market insights, and other factors that help effective decision-making. Understanding what technique is suitable for a particular set of data will enable you to create the correct database of information to save your company time and money, and avoid unprofitable risks.

"Career Karma entered my life when I needed it most and quickly helped me match with a bootcamp. Two months after graduating, I found my dream job that aligned with my values and goals in life!"

Venus, Software Engineer at Rockbot

Find Your Bootcamp Match

Learning data gathering techniques will ensure the use of effective data collection tools to ensure the safety and protection of sensitive data, such as a company’s employee records. This is vital for business owners who want to keep personal company information safe and secure and keep information out of the hands of competitors.

Data Gathering Techniques FAQ