Methods of Data Collection: A Fundamental Tool of Research

For conducting research, it is a must to collect data. Data is basically the information that is required for investigating a research problem after proper designing. The importance of data collection lies in the fact that without gathering the particular information the research could not be carried out. The data may be primary or secondary. Usually, the methods of primary data collection in behavioural sciences include observation methods, interviews, questionnaires, and through database. The sources of secondary data include the previously published books, magazines, journals, etc. and unpublished autobiographies and biographies, etc. Thus, data collection is mandatory to accomplish the research process and therefore, it is the fundamental tool of research. This paper reviews, in detail, the various methods and different ways of gathering the information for undertaking research.