1. Regardless of the field of study or preference for defining data

1.Regardless of the field of study or preference for defining data (quantitative or qualitative), accurate data collection is essential to maintaining the integrity of research. The selection of appropriate data collection instruments (existing, modified, or newly developed) and clearly delineated instructions for their correct use reduce the likelihood of errors. Data collection is defined as the procedure of collecting, measuring and analyzing accurate insights for research using standard validated techniques. A researcher can evaluate their hypothesis on the basis of collected data. In most cases, data collection is the primary and most important step for research, irrespective of the field of research. The approach of data collection is different for different fields of study, depending on the required information.

2.The term “primary data” refers to data you collect yourself, rather than data you gather after another party initially recorded it. Primary data is information obtained directly from the source. You will be the first party to use this exact set of data. Secondary data is a second-hand information. It is not used for the first time. That is why it is called secondary. Secondary data sources provide valuable interpretations and analysis based on primary sources. They may explain in details primary sources and often uses them to support a specific thesis or a point of view

3.There are 5 common data collection methods; closed-ended surveys and quizzes, open-ended surveys and questionnaires, 1-on-1 interviews, focus groups, and direct observation.