What Is Data Collection?

If you don't like surprises, you probably wouldn't be a researcher. Data collection is the process of gathering and measuring data, information or any variables of interest in a standardized and established manner that enables the collector to answer or test hypotheses and evaluate the outcomes of the particular collection. This is an integral, usually initial, component of any research in any field of studies, such as the physical and social sciences, business, humanities and others. The data we collect can be used for many things: it can be analyzed to determine patterns in behavior, it can be used to understand how people feel about specific issues (for example, in marketing), and it can be used to develop hypotheses about why people behave a certain way (say for instance studying whether eating breakfast makes you more productive at work). If you're going through the trouble of collecting data, you might as well make sure it's accurate. Because data collection isn't just about collecting any old data—it's about collecting good data. And good information is like a fine wine: It takes time to cultivate and age, and it's worth the wait. The best way to ensure that your data collection will yield quality results is by investing in good equipment and meticulous attention to detail. You can start with a high-end scanner that will allow you to scan documents at a high resolution and then use OCR software to convert them into searchable text files. Once your documents are scanned, you'll want to ensure they're stored on a secure server where only people with access rights can see them. And don't forget about backups! You may think digital files are immortal and can never be lost or destroyed, but if you don't have a backup system, then one day, all those precious files could be gone—and no one will ever know what happened!