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Data Collection and Management
Comprehensive process that involves several key steps to ensure that data is accurately and systematically gathered, organized, and utilized for making informed decisions. Here's a detailed breakdown:
1. Data Collection:
· It is the systematic process of gathering observations or measurements from various sources.
· This step is crucial for acquiring first-hand knowledge and original insights into a research problem.
· The methods of data collection can vary, but the overall process remains largely the same across different fields.
2. Data Management:
· This refers to the practices of collecting, organizing, protecting, and storing data.
· Effective data management is essential for making sense of vast quantities of data and for analysing it for business decisions.
· It ensures that data is available, reliable, and prepared for analysis.
3. Steps in Data Collection and Management:
· Define the aim of your research: Identify what you want to achieve and formulate research questions.
· Choose your data collection method: Decide on the best method suited for your research, whether it be surveys, interviews, observations, or other techniques.
· Plan your data collection procedures: Outline how you will collect, store, and process the data.
· Collect the data: Execute the planned procedures to gather the necessary data.
4. Types of Data:
· Qualitative Data: Descriptive information that is expressed in words and analysed through interpretations and categorizations.
· Quantitative Data: Numerical information that is expressed in numbers and graphs and is analysed through statistical methods.
· Importance of Data Collection and Management: It provides the foundation for sound decision-making.
· Helps in forecasting trends, evaluating outcomes, and answering research questions.
· Ensures the integrity and quality of research.