Background: As noted by Kirk (2016), working with data is one of the four stages of the visualization workflow. According to Kirk (2016), “A dataset is a collection of data values upon which a visualization is based.” In this course, we will be using datasets that have already been collected for us. Data can be collected by various collection techniques.

Reference: Kirk, Andy. Data Visualisation: A Handbook for Data Driven Design (p. 50). SAGE Publications.

Assignment: Summarize 3 data collection techniques (Interviews, Surveys, Observations, Focus Groups, etc.). Compare and contrast the 3 data collection techniques you selected. Lastly, what collection techniques do you prefer and why?

Answer preview

Data collection is an essential component of research. It allows researchers to collect, visualize, and understand crucial information they seek to gather regarding the subject matter of their study (Kirk, 2016). There are various data collection techniques at the disposal of researchers, such as interviews, observation, and focus groups (Kawulich, 2012). The information required will, in most cases, determine the data collection method used during a study. Data collection techniques make it easier for researchers to collate and sift through vast amounts of data to acquire the requisite information they need.(1170words)