Part+1-+Collection+of+Data

__Collection__
There are various ways to collect data, such as surveys and questionnaires. Collecting data is important as the results will have to depend on how good and reliable the data is. Different ways of collecting data are effective for different purposes. Therefore, there is no such thing as a "best way" when collecting data. To obtain the best results, you should try different ways to collect data.

Ways to collect data:
 * Surveys/Questionnaires
 * Case Studies
 * Observations
 * Interviews
 * Experimentation
 * People's Expressions
 * Written Work

There are more ways to collect data than what is listed. What are listed above are more convenient and reliable ways to collect data.

__Surveys/Questionnaires__
This is probably one of the more popular methods in collecting data. They are usually used to target a specific group of people. If constructed properly, they are one of the more convenient methods to gather data as they can be used for almost any field of data collection and can be assessed easily, on the internet or written. However, creation of a survey requires thought and time, and the participation rate by others could be lower than expected. Therefore, results obtained could be less reliable at times.

Here are a few steps in creating a survey/questionnaire:
 * 1)  Define the problem you want to examine, identify who you want to survey and determine what kind of variables you want to measure.
 * 2) Determine the mode of data ct ollection. Examples include internet surveys and mailed questionnaires.
 * 3) Create an appropriate sampling plan. It may include the goal of your survey, people who are targeted, number of surveys for them to complete, how the survey could be made representative of participants
 * 4)  Develop the survey. Make sure that each question fits into the plan of your research, each question should be suitable for participants.
 * 5)  Test out your survey. Use results to refine the survey and correct any errors found.

 **Example:** A survey on how people spend their weekends.

__Case Studies__
This is a collation of different data which may include artefacts and footages, usually in the form of a lawsuit. Just like the name suggests, case studying is about studying the case, which may help you obtain data and information. However, case studies requires heavy analysis to obtain results and is also time consuming. Therefore, it is not easily accomplished.

Here are a few steps to properly collect data from a case study: > 
 * 1) Gathering the data (information) for the case.
 * 2)   Organising the data into an approach to highlight the focus of the study. To portray what has happened.
 * 1)     Developing the case study narrative. Summarising key points in the case study, data should then be understandable even to outsiders.
 * Example:** A lawsuit to find out who stole an old lady's bag.

__Observations__
It is a straightforward method in obtaining data. Observation lets the evaluator collect first-hand data by letting him/her observe the current situation, and sometimes even allows the evaluator to find out about unpredictable responses. Therefore, the observer will be able to understand the situation more clearly. However, observations may be expensive and time-consuming, and also requires an alert observer to look out for changes.


 * Example:** Observing how Africans are treated by other races after establishing World Cup 2010.

__Interviews__
This includes the interviewer asking the interviewee about a specific topic. The topic can be about anything, and unlike other methods, are not restricted by things such as cultural and educational barriers. Answers received should also be quite reliable, as the interviewee is being interviewed live. However, this depends greatly on the interviewer's skills and ability to question, as well as the honesty of the interviewee. This is not neccessarily better than surveys/questionnaires or other methods.


 * Example:** Interviewing old people on what they usually do at home.

__Experimentation__
Known to be used to find out effects of something on something else. It usually begins with a construction of an aim or hypothesis, then carrying out the experiment, and usually repeating it more than once to gain more reliable results. Finally, inferences are made, then conclusions can be drawn from it. The method of collecting data is hands-on and is not 100% accurate, as the experiment may have errors, which may be repeated.

Example: Finding out the effects of music on growth of plants, testing out by putting radio near plants.

__People's Expressions__
This is usually used in a crime investigation, when questioning a suspect. This is usually effective when the target is talking. When observing expressions on their faces, we can identify whether they are lying or not. We may also draw inferences from their expressions, to depict what the target really means to say or what he/she is thinking about. However, if the target is an extremely good actor (rarely the case), this method of collecting data may be inaccurate.


 * Example:** Observing Tiger Wood's facial expression when reading out the letter of regret and redemption to the people who are dear to him.

__Written Work__
This may help obtain very useful information, as the work probably reflects the deep thoughts the writer puts into it. Also, written work in the past and present gives the reader specific information about data he/she is collecting, but due to the wide range of written works, the reader has to know clearly what data he/she seeks, such as to avoid confusion.


 * Example:** Read various written books to find out how Hitler treated the Jews in World War II.


 * Now that you know how to collect data, go on to the next step to learn how to analyse them!**