Data collection is the process of gathering information from all pertinent sources in order to address the research question, test the hypothesis (if you’re using a deductive approach), and assess the results. Secondary and primary methods of data collecting are the two categories into which data collection techniques can be categorized.
PRIMARY DATA COLLECTION METHOD
Primary data is the unique findings of your research. This is original, first-hand information that the data researchers have gathered, as the name suggests. Before anyone conducts any more related research, this procedure is the first stage in acquiring information. In the event that the researcher gathers the data, primary data results are quite accurate. First-hand research could be time-consuming and expensive, which might be an impediment to your research.
There are many ways of gathering primary research data. The most suitable method will depend on the questions you want to answer and the problem you’re trying to solve. The most common primary market research methods are interviews, surveys, focus groups and observations.
Primary data collection methods can be divided into two groups: quantitative and qualitative.
QUANTITATIVE METHOD
Methods for gathering quantitative data are based on a variety of mathematical calculations. Closed-ended questionnaires, methods of correlation and regression, mean, mode, and median, among other techniques, are all used in the collecting and analysis of quantitative data.
Comparatively speaking, quantitative approaches can be applied more quickly and at a lower cost than qualitative methods. Also, since quantitative procedures are highly standardized, it is simple to compare results.
QUALITATIVE METHOD
Contrarily, qualitative research techniques avoid using numbers or mathematical computations. Words, sounds, feelings, emotions, colors, and other intangible components are a constant in qualitative research.
In order to achieve a deeper degree of comprehension, qualitative studies use a variety of methods for gathering data, such as focus groups, observation, games or role-playing, interviews, questionnaires with open-ended questions, and case studies.
The field of your research and the nature of your research’s goals and objectives will influence your decision about the use of quantitative or qualitative methodologies for data collection.
SECONDARY DATA COLLECTION METHOD
Secondary data is information that has already undergone statistical analysis and has been obtained from another source. This information is either information the researcher has searched up on their own or information they have asked others to get. It’s secondhand information, to put it simply. Secondary information raises questions about authenticity and accuracy even if it is simpler and less expensive to gather than primary information. Most secondary data is quantitative.
Your data collection method is rests on the type of research you want to carry out. Still not certain of method to make use? Book a session with our Consultant, we’d be more than glad to help.
