Most analysts do data collection as a prominent operation during their investigation. If you are unable to obtain the necessary data for your research as an analyst, your entire project will lose credibility.
So, data collecting is an important part of statistical analysis; it is a difficult task that needs dedication, determination, careful planning, and the ability to complete the task.
The first stage in data collection is determining what type of data is needed, and then begin your study by collecting a sample from a specific segment of the population using a specific sampling method.
There are various methods of data collection that can be classified as per the type of data involved, which are –
Collection of Primary Data can be done through various methods, which are –
Direct Personal Investigation: In this method, surveyors or investigators collect the data themselves. This method is suitable for small projects where the required data needs to be reliable and excessive effort is not mandatory.
Collection with the Help of Investigators: In this method, a single or a group of correspondents collects the data for the surveyor. These correspondents are trained investigators who are employed for this course of action. This type of data collecting method is useful for a large population.
Collection Assisted by Questionnaires: When the amount of data that is required to be collected is significantly large, questionnaires are used to make the data collecting process easier. Questionnaires are nothing but a set of questions that, when answered, provide the required data. Surveyors can also mail questionnaires to the respondents for added convenience.
The collection of secondary data is much easier than collecting primary data. Secondary data is available from various sources, both published and unpublished. However, the investigator of this kind of data must ensure that the data is reliable, suitable for analysis, whether bias is involved during sampling of the said data, etc.