Diving into Data Collection

Figure 1. A Portrayal of Data Collection

Using data to prove a narrative is nothing new, in fact, thinking of a time when it hasn’t been used may draw a blank space in some people’s minds: data is so important that we can’t imagine a world without it. Data collection is defined as “the procedure of collection, measuring, and analyzing precise insights for research using standard and validated techniques or tools” (cissbigdata.org), as seen in Figure 1. Familiarizing ourselves with the correct types of data is highly important because it’s the basis on which we prove this narrative. Knowing what types of data to utilize is extremely important because it’s the foundation of accurate, applicable research. Data collection is applied everywhere: in healthcare, research, businesses, education, cybersecurity, and decision-making, to name a few examples.

The origins of the data we use greatly alter the nature of the data we present, making it of utmost importance to differentiate between how the 2 types can influence how we present a narrative. Data is categorized into 2 main distinctions: primary and secondary data, some possible methods are shown in Figure 2. Primary data is the category of data that is derived directly from the source: through interviews, surveys, observations, focus groups, etc (Scribbr, 2023). This type of data has never been previously utilized and thus provides a raw view of the situation at hand which allows users and viewers to create their own conclusions directly from the source. On the other hand, secondary data is data that has been previously collected by an outside entity, such as the internet, data and government archives, and libraries. Secondary data is highly efficient in its collection technique and provides a more cohesive, broader overview of the situation being analyzed, which allows for greater flexibility in its collection (Scribbr, 2023).

Figure 2: Primary Data Methods (left) and Secondary Data Methods (right).

Variation of data sources is the key to providing a convincing argument because it presents data from all angles. When these 2 data types act in conversation, it strengthens the argument tenfold because of the multiple angles that they present.

Such data has to come with practical applications: their strengths and weaknesses can either be amplified or diminished depending on the type of data. Different scenarios are better suited for different types of data and different balances of data usage can determine the validity of a study. Primary data is especially useful in medical contexts because it derives data directly from its original source which requires a deeper understanding of the specific logistics of the case. Primary data creates room for the customization of these points which ultimately helps prove an overall cohesive narrative (Simplilearn, 2023). Secondary data, meanwhile, is more widely used in historical studies because it requires a deeper understanding of the historical context of the situation, and only secondary data can provide such insight because of the time in which it’s generated (OpenLearn, 2019). However, variety in both types is essential because it helps make a cohesive narrative that relates to both our past and present, like in Figure 3 which contrasts the two scenarios these types of data are most suitable for.

Figure 3: The Medical Field and the Historical Field.

Ultimately, primary and secondary data are both highly significant aspects of data analysis: one without the other would be essentially useless. Primary data in its direct and original nature, and secondary data in its efficient and reliable form, are both vital components of proving a narrative. All these types of data are useful in all aspects and their influence reaches an unfathomable amount of applicable fields that can only improve society moving on.

References:

Module 1 | Big Data. Big Data. (2021). https://www.cissbigdata.org/module-1-introduction-to-big-data

Duggal, Nikita. “Effective Data Collection Methods: Techniques and Use Cases Explained.” Simplilearn.Com, Simplilearn, 4 May 2023, www.simplilearn.com/data-collection-methods-article#:~:text=Primary%20data%20refers%20to%20data,kind%20of%20data%20in%20research.

Streefkerk, Raimo. “Primary vs. Secondary Sources: Difference & Examples.” Scribbr, 31 May 2023, www.scribbr.com/working-with-sources/primary-and-secondary-sources/#:~:text=Most%20research%20uses%20both%20primary,work%20relates%20to%20existing%20research.

“6 the Advantages and Limitations of Secondary Data.” Using Data to Aid Organisational Change, 2019, www.open.edu/openlearn/money-business/using-data-aid-organisational-change/content-section-6#:~:text=Compared%20to%20primary%20data%2C%20secondary,allows%20more%20time%20for%20analysis.