Collection and Presentation of Data

Data collection is the process of gathering data for use in decision-making, strategic planning, research and other purposes.

Once data has been collected, it has to be classified and organized in such a way that it becomes easily readable and interpreted; that is, converted to information. There are two distinct ways of collecting data.

These are:

i. By carrying out experiments.
ii. By survey.

i) By carrying out experiments

Data can be obtained from experimental work carried out in laboratories by scientists or students.

Example: Different measurements, such as weight, pressure, temperature, and the height of an object can be obtained by carrying out experiments.

ii) By survey

The survey method of collecting data may be carried out by using the existing published data, making observations, and asking questions.

Other examples are, asking questions i.e. by interviewing and questionnaires.