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Exploring Data Types and Data Collection Methods

The report explores various data types, including structured, semi-structured, unstructured, quantitative, qualitative, primary, and secondary data, detailing their definitions, examples, and characteristics. It also discusses data collection methods such as surveys, experiments, and observational studies, along with their suitable data types and associated challenges. Additionally, the implications for data analysis and the impact on data quality are highlighted, emphasizing the importance of design and context in data collection and analysis.

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3 views4 pages

Exploring Data Types and Data Collection Methods

The report explores various data types, including structured, semi-structured, unstructured, quantitative, qualitative, primary, and secondary data, detailing their definitions, examples, and characteristics. It also discusses data collection methods such as surveys, experiments, and observational studies, along with their suitable data types and associated challenges. Additionally, the implications for data analysis and the impact on data quality are highlighted, emphasizing the importance of design and context in data collection and analysis.

Uploaded by

akash.24mtrdi01
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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Written Report for the assignment: Exploring Data Types and Data

Collection Methods
1. Understanding Data Types
Task 1: Define and Describe Data Types

Data Type Definition Example Characteristics

Structured Data organized in a SQL databases Easy to search


predefined format, and analyze;
often in rows and highly organized.
columns.

Semi- Data that does not JSON files, XML Flexible format;
structured follow a strict documents partially
structure but has organized.
some organizational
properties.

Unstructure Data without a Videos, emails, Difficult to


d predefined format or social media analyze; requires
structure. posts preprocessing.

Quantitative Numerical data that Test scores, Enables


can be measured income levels statistical
and analyzed analysis;
statistically. objective.

Qualitative Descriptive data Interview Subjective; rich in


that captures transcripts, detail.
concepts, opinions, open-ended
or experiences. survey
responses

Primary Data collected Surveys Original and


firsthand for a conducted by a specific; high
specific research researcher relevance.
purpose.

Secondary Data collected by Government Cost-effective;


someone else, used reports, may lack
for analysis. academic specificity.
Data Type Definition Example Characteristics

articles

Task 2: Implications for Data Analysis


 Structured Data: Easily analyzed using statistical and machine
learning techniques; suitable for dashboards and charts.
 Semi-structured Data: Requires parsing; suitable for tree maps or
network graphs.
 Unstructured Data: Needs transformation (e.g., NLP for text);
visualized using word clouds, timelines.
 Quantitative Data: Enables regression, correlation, and hypothesis
testing; visualized with histograms, scatter plots.
 Qualitative Data: Analyzed through thematic coding; visualized with
concept maps or narrative summaries.
 Primary Data: High control over quality; tailored analysis.
 Secondary Data: May require cleaning; limited control over variables.
Task 3: Data Type Table

Data Type Example Analysis Methods Visualization


Techniques

Structured Sales SQL queries, Bar charts, line


database regression analysis graphs

Semi- XML files Parsing, clustering Tree maps, flow


structured diagrams

Unstructured Social media NLP, sentiment Word clouds,


posts analysis timelines

Quantitative Exam scores Statistical tests, Histograms, scatter


machine learning plots

Qualitative Interview Thematic analysis, Concept maps,


transcripts coding narrative
summaries
Data Type Example Analysis Methods Visualization
Techniques

Primary Custom Tailored statistical or Depends on data


survey thematic analysis type

Secondary Census data Comparative Depends on data


analysis, trend type
analysis

2. Data Collection Methods


Task 1: Describe Data Collection Methods

Method Description Purpose / Use Cases

Surveys Structured questionnaires to Collect opinions,


gather information from behaviors,
respondents. demographics.

Experiments Controlled studies to test Determine cause-


hypotheses. effect relationships.

Observational Passive observation of Understand behaviors


Studies subjects in natural settings. without interference.

Task 2: Data Type Suitability

Method Suitable Data Types Challenges / Limitations

Surveys Quantitative, Response bias, limited


Qualitative, Primary depth.

Experiments Quantitative, Primary Ethical concerns, artificial


settings.

Observational Qualitative, Primary Observer bias, lack of control


Studies over variables.

Task 3: Impact on Data Quality


 Surveys: Quality depends on question design and respondent honesty.
Poorly designed surveys can lead to misleading results.
 Experiments: High internal validity but may lack external validity due
to controlled settings.
 Observational Studies: Rich contextual data but may suffer from
subjectivity and lack of replicability.
Examples:
 A biased survey question may skew public opinion results.
 An experiment in a lab may not reflect real-world behavior.
 Observational data may miss key variables due to lack of control.

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