Data collection is a systematic and scientific process of gathering and measuring information in order to discover the answers of unanswered questions for the research purpose of the organizations. Data can be collected from two different sources which are mentioned below;
Primary Source: In the process of data collection, researcher collects necessary information directly from the individuals or the organization after choosing the sample size and the objectives of the research. For this course of action, researcher uses various methods to collect the raw data. For example, Interview, Questionnaires, survey etc. Researcher prefer primary source for collecting data as the collected data from this source represent the current situation of the problem as compared to other sources.
Secondary source: Researchers choose this source to collect data for the research purpose if s/he is unable to reach at the field or due to lack of adequate time or due to financial problem or it is accessible to anyone easily and is convenient. Preexisting source can be found in internet, book, articles, library etc. Data found on such sources sometimes doesn’t represent the current situation of the problem as compared to primary source.
Points should be considered for the reliable data collection
Setting clear and reasonable objectives for the research purpose;
Reading literature review related to the particular topic of the research that provides the framework to conduct research;
Determination of the sources from where are data should be collected;
Set key factor and parameters to formulate a game plan for the data collection;
Mentality of the researches need to neutral or should eliminate the personal biasness as it might alter the natural perspectives of the data;
Should set suitable sample size which might represent the problem in research;
Appropriate and adequate methods should be select by the researcher to keep record of the collected data to eliminate manual error;
Check or compare the data with another sources for accuracy of the data;
Should formulate easy questions to be understood by the individual;
Usually research is done in order to find out the solution for the recent problems of the organization therefore, for the reliability of data, the organization choose primary source to collect the data what literally represent the current problem of the organizations.
