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Exploring Different Data Collection Methods

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Submitted By jessiecs
Words 4121
Pages 17
Honolulu University

2015
Exploring Different Data Collection Methods
Statistical Methods in Business & Economics (BUS405)
Ching Sum Jessie Ha (80600402)

Honolulu University

2015
Exploring Different Data Collection Methods
Statistical Methods in Business & Economics (BUS405)
Ching Sum Jessie Ha (80600402)

Introduction
Data is collected to learn the effectiveness of a particular tool in preventing defects or to look into the cause of a particular defect (Burrill, Ledolter, p.381). Data removes the trepidation and uncertainty of an unknown element. One reason for collecting data is to gain an understanding of the data by organizing and graphing the individual values (Albert, Rossman, p.1). Secondly, and most importantly, collecting data helps draw conclusions about a larger group of information (Albert, Rossman, p.1).
There are other reasons to collect data. Data also helps people to understand the processes with which they work. Data can also be collected for the purpose of process control. Numerous manufacturing processes use feedback data to adjust an input, such as temperature, in order to keep the output at the desired level. Feedback data from quality control activities can be used to make adjustments that result in more products meeting their requirements (Burrill, Ledolter, p.381). Data can also be used to improve processes with the intent of increasing productivity.
‘Data is nothing, unless interpreted and turned into useful information.’
Data are usually collected through qualitative and quantitative methods (Hawe, Degeling, Hall, 1990). The purpose of this paper is to explore the variety of methods of data collection used in both qualitative and quantitative research. More specifically, to discuss the process of identifying research questions and selecting appropriate methodologies, understanding the difference between

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