Methods of Data Collection Overview

Introduction

In this first of three units on Data Collection Methods you will learn specific procedures for gathering or generating unbiased data. You will recognize random events and simulate experiments using everyday tools such as spinners, playing cards, dice, and technology. You will learn how to use the random number generator in your calculator and how to use random digit tables for modeling chance outcomes. The conclusions based on the data are only as reliable as the data itself. Great planning goes into designing procedures for data collection to enable the researcher to have confidence about the findings. Following this overview unit there are two more units that focus on vocabulary and procedures required for Planning and Conducting Well Designed Surveys and Planning and Conducting Well Designed Experiments.

Essential Questions

What are the different methods used to gather data?
How much planning goes into data collection?
What precautions are needed to ensure the data are reliable?
How can we control outside variables that might affect the data?

Key Terms

The following key terms will help you understand the content in this module.

Population- the ENTIRE group of individuals or instances about whom we want to learn

Sample- a representative subset (subgroup) of the population observational

Study- a study based on data in which NO manipulation of factors occurs

Simulation- models random events by using random numbers to specify event outcomes

Bias- any systematic failure of a sample to represent its population

IMAGES CREATED BY GAVS