According to (Sutton & Austin, 2015), Research data is the recorded material accepted in the scientific and academic community to verify the validity of research results. Research data is collected in different forms and formats, including qualitative, quantitative, and mixed.
In this paper, I will discuss each of them and the mechanism I will use in my research.
Data types:
According to (Aborisade, 2013), There are four types of research data. The first is observational data, collected by observing behavior and activity. There is experimental data in which the researcher conducts certain experiments to reach specific results. A simulation data that uses computer models to predict particular conditions; finally, the derived data, which is the data obtained from previous researchers, and the other researchers build on it
Data collection methods:
There are several methods of data collection, namely qualitative, quantitative, and mixed methods.
1. Qualitative methods: They compile non-statistical metadata based more on narrative than numbers. There are several ways to collect this type of data, the main ones being records, documents, interview records, focus groups, and observational research (Sgier, 2012).
2. Quantitative data: Data in numbers associated with a specific data set. There are several ways to collect this type of data, the most important of which are surveys, experiments, tests, benchmarks, and market reports (Cramer, 2003).
3. Mixed data: This type of data combines qualitative and quantitative data and cannot be separated from each other. This approach is sometimes considered the best form of business research (Long & Rodgers, 2017).
Choose a data collection method:
Mixed data is best suited for most research. A good search needs some metadata and other data supported by numbers. It is sometimes difficult to accurately measure and analyze qualitative data, as it carries multiple meanings and patterns (Anastasia, 2017). Therefore, it is supported by quantitative data that proves the qualitative data and confirms its validity with numbers. Another challenge facing researchers is that there may be more than one source containing different data. Finally, the result of data collection should be helpful to information that is the basis for reaching the appropriate decision-making, so it needs to be general information. It cannot be redirected to any path.
Conclusion
Data collection is a systematic process of observation and measurement through which the researcher can gain direct knowledge of the research question and answer it (Phillips & Stawarski, 2008). However, it is also costly and time-consuming. The diversity of data sources requires more resources, preventing the desired benefit from being achieved.
References
Aborisade, O. P. (2013). Data collection and new technology. International Journal of Emerging Technologies in Learning (Online), 8(2), 48.
Anastasia (2017). Overview of Qualitative And Quantitative Data Collection Methods. Cleverism. Retrieved from: https://www.cleverism.com/qualitative-
and-quantitative-data-collection-methods/
Cramer, D. (2003). Advanced quantitative data analysis. McGraw-Hill Education (UK).
Long, H., & Rodgers, C. R. (2017). Re-conceptualize mixed methods research: Introducing a new conceptual framework. Quality and Quantity, 51(6),
2813-2829. Retrieved from ProQuest Central database.
Phillips, P. P., & Stawarski, C. A. (2008). Data collection: Planning for and collecting all types of data. John Wiley & Son
Sgier, L. (2012). Qualitative data analysis. An Initiat. Gebert Ruf Stift, 19, 19-21.
Sutton, J., & Austin, Z. (2015). Qualitative research: Data collection, analysis, and management. The Canadian journal of hospital pharmacy, 68(3), 226.