8-1-2 Data Collection Explained

Key Concepts

Key concepts related to 8-1-2 Data Collection include Data Sources, Data Types, Sampling Methods, and Data Collection Tools.

Data Sources

Data Sources refer to the origins from which data is collected. These can include primary sources, such as surveys and experiments, and secondary sources, such as published reports and databases.

An analogy to understand Data Sources is to think of them as different rivers. Just as rivers carry water from various sources, data sources provide information from different origins.

Example: A researcher might collect primary data through a survey and use secondary data from government statistics to analyze population trends.

Data Types

Data Types refer to the categories of data that can be collected, such as quantitative data (numerical data) and qualitative data (descriptive data). Understanding data types helps in choosing appropriate analysis methods.

An analogy to understand Data Types is to think of them as different languages. Just as languages have different structures and rules, data types have different formats and analysis techniques.

Example: Quantitative data might include the number of students in a class, while qualitative data might include descriptions of student behavior.

Sampling Methods

Sampling Methods are techniques used to select a subset of individuals from a population to represent the whole. Common methods include random sampling, stratified sampling, and systematic sampling.

An analogy to understand Sampling Methods is to think of them as fishing nets. Just as different nets catch different types of fish, different sampling methods capture different subsets of a population.

Example: Random sampling ensures that every member of the population has an equal chance of being selected, while stratified sampling divides the population into groups and samples from each group.

Data Collection Tools

Data Collection Tools are instruments or methods used to gather data, such as surveys, questionnaires, interviews, and observation checklists. These tools help ensure data accuracy and consistency.

An analogy to understand Data Collection Tools is to think of them as different utensils. Just as utensils are used to prepare and serve food, data collection tools are used to gather and present data.

Example: A survey is a common tool used to collect quantitative data, while an interview guide is used to collect qualitative data.