The 10 best tools for effective data collection used by researchers

What is data collection in research and what are data collection tools?

Data collection is formatting different types of information in a specific way. It is the process of compiling, analyzing, and measuring data that pave the way to finding out solutions to certain problems, and provides answers to complex questions from various relevant sources.

Data collection tools are those that help in collecting evidence-based data at ease.

These tools help in collecting, organizing and often act as a ladder to premium outcomes. And hence choosing the right tool that serves the purpose is highly important.

Regardless of the industry you work in or the type of business you own, the work you do entirely revolves around data. With high-quality data through premium quality data collection tools, there are high chances of you obtaining the results that meet the purpose of the research.

Through accurate and relevant data, you can excel in decision-making and in elevating your research/business.

What are the common data collection methods?

The data collection methods are of two types:

• Primary data collection methods
• Secondary data collection methods

The primary data collection methods consist of two segments; qualitative methods and quantitative methods. The former often include focus groups, interviews, case studies, etc. And the latter includes experiments, surveys, and longitudinal studies.

The secondary data collection methods, on the other hand, involve journals, financial statements, government records, etc. since the information has already been collected.

Also read: The effectual methods used for qualitative data collection​

How to find the right tools for data collection?

Finding the right tools for data collection is like finding the perfect gift for your valentine. It may feel exhausting, but in the end, it would be worth the struggle!

And with us being here for you, finding a gift for your valentine may be hard; but finding the right tool for collecting data wouldn’t be hard anymore!

There are more than a hundred data collection tools out there that help in making the entire process easier, streamlined, and less time-consuming. And we agree that choosing one among them would be a herculean task. And thus, we have given you a step-by-step guide to deciding that “one” tool that fits your needs.

Consider answering these questions before investing in a tool that you think might fit your needs.

1. What is the main purpose of this research/survey?
2. How does this tool help you with your purpose?
3. What types of data do you want to capture for the research?
4. How are you going to use the outcomes derived from the tool?
5. Does the tool fit your organization with its budget, language, and its other features?
6. Is the tool user-friendly?
7. How many users does this tool support?

By answering these questions, you can filter out tools that do not suit your needs at ease. Choosing the right data tool will simplify your work and reduce your workload. Apart from these, it is also important to know whether the data tool contains sensitive information and private data.

Continue reading to get your hands on the best tools for data collection.

Best tools for data collection:

We have constructed a list of the best tools for data collection for both qualitative and quantitative research. And by the end of this blog post, you’ll be able to choose the right tool based on your preferences.

5 best qualitative research tools for data collection

Semi-structured questionnaires

This method involves open-ended questions that are not completely formalized. This is a tool and method that paves way for a discussion rather than just questioning the respondents. And this tool helps in gathering more in-depth information from the respondents.

Interviews

Similar to semi-structured questionnaires, interviews do not have close-ended questions. Qualitative interviews help in analyzing more about the respondent’s behavior, opinions, and experiences, which is not possible through qualitative methods.

Observation

Observation checklists are quick assessment methods. These checklists help in analyzing the skills and behaviors of a particular group in a short period. It can also be used for listing items, methods, or steps which can later be analyzed.

Focus Group

​Focus groups involve a small group of potential participants. The organization hosting the focus group usually represents the study with a small group to a large group. With a group of 6-8 people, focus groups are mostly based on discussing and gathering about a new product, feature, or service. Focus groups are highly beneficial for market research. By choosing the right members, it paves the way for understanding more about buyer persona, the perceptions of your customer, etc.

Unstructured questionnaires

Unstructured questionnaires are open questionnaires that allow the respondents and provide them a chance to express their views and opinions without any restrictions. Unlike quantitative research methods that lack in-depth insights through this method, you can gather data that is relevant, in-depth, and valid data.

5 best tools for quantitative research

Quantitative research methods involve the collection of data mainly through numerical values and statistical analysis. Quantitative tools and methods are highly structured and the results are much more sorted than the results obtained by the tools used in qualitative research.

Probability Sampling

Probability sampling involves studying and gathering data from a population that the researchers are interested in researching, studying. You have to select a small number of people of your interest from a large population. And from that group, you have to determine a sample that fits all your requirements right from cost to timings and speed of the response. The major advantage of probability sampling is that you can’t simply share the survey. Instead, you can give everyone a chance to participate and respond.

In probability sampling, the samples are selected randomly and this tool is highly beneficial when you have to collect data from a diverse population.

Probability sampling involves three more types which are, Simple random sampling, stratified random sampling, systematic sampling, and random cluster sampling.

Face-to-Face Interview

Face-to-face interviews are suitable for collecting factual data from the respondents. These standardized interviews comparatively have a high response rate and are often used to evaluate customers’ attitudes and behaviors over their product/service.

This tool enhances in-depth collection and it paves the way to monitor and analyze the body language and expression of the respondents. The major advantage of F2F interviews is that the interviewer can always probe the respondents for further information or explanation on the previous responses.

Survey

​Structured surveys either through online mode or offline mode are now a great way to collect and analyze data from a large set population. Through multiple questions, surveys are a highly beneficial tool to gather data on a large scale with minimal effort. Surveys can be conducted in two ways: Longitudinal surveys and cross-sectional surveys.

The data collected through this tool will be specific and the analysis is more convenient as well. Anonymity is the major benefit when it comes to surveys as it helps to protect and safeguard the data collected from the respondents.

Experimental Research

Experimental research methods are used mainly to test a certain theory among a small set of populations. The specific data collected through this tool can be further experimented with and analyzed to gain more insights in-depth.Experimental researchcan often be the starting point that acts as a foundation for more ideation and trial and error.

Document Reviews

This is a tool/method that involves the process of reviewing the existing documents. Through this process, data can be collected from public records such as the annual policies of an organization, employee records, and student records.

And data based on health, behavioral changes, and attitudes can also be collected through this tool. This tool is less time-consuming since it requires probing through the existing documents and collecting data. And the numerical, statistical data collected through this process will be more reliable and accurate than the rest.

Start collecting data to elevate your business

You are going to invest a lot of your time, money, and energy in data collection and hence it is so important to find the right tool for it. Right from language support to data handling, storing, and privacy, we recommend you do thorough research apart from reading this blog post. And make sure that the quality of the data remains high and prime.

Also Try: Market Research Templates