Introduction to Data
MD. NAZMUL HUDA
Lecturer, Department of Development Studies, EEE Batch
Dhaka International University (DIU) No: 40th
BSS and MSS in Development Studies,
University of Dhaka
Email: mdnazmulds@[Link] Course Name:
Mobile: 01685278751 (What’s Up) Math-III (Statistics
and Probabilities)
Credit Hours: 3
Introduction to Data
☑ What is Data Collection
☑ Types of Data
☑ Data Collection Methods
☑ Steps in the Data
Collection Process
☑ Statistical Tools for Data
Collection
☑ Best Practices for Data
Collection
What is Data Collection
⚫ : Definition:
Data collection refers to the systematic process of
gathering and measuring information on variables
of interest in a structured way.
⚫ Purpose:
⚪ To understand and analyze phenomena.
⚪ To test hypotheses.
⚪ To aid in decision-making.
Types of Data
⚫ Quantitative Data (Numerical)
⚪ Discrete Data: Countable values
(e.g., number of students).
⚪ Continuous Data: Values that can
take any value within a range (e.g.,
height, weight).
⚫ Qualitative Data (Categorical)
⚪ Nominal Data: Categories without
any order (e.g., gender, race).
⚪ Ordinal Data: Categories with a
specific order (e.g., education levels).
Data Collection Methods
⚫ Observational Method:
⚪ Collecting data by observing subjects in their natural
environment without interference.
⚪ Example: Observing traffic flow on a street.
⚫ Survey Method:
⚪ Collecting data using surveys or questionnaires.
⚪ Example: Conducting a survey on customer satisfaction.
Data Collection Methods
⚫ Experimental Method:
⚪ Data collected from controlled experiments where variables are
manipulated.
⚪ Example: Testing the effect of fertilizers on plant growth.
⚫ Secondary Data Collection:
⚪ Using data already collected for other purposes, such as government
statistics.
⚫ Example: Using census data to study population growth.
Steps in the Data Collection Process
⚫ Define the Research Question:
⚪ Understand the problem and the data needed to address
it.
⚫ Choose the Data Collection Method:
⚪ Decide on observation, survey, experiment, or secondary
data based on the research question.
⚫ Design Data Collection Tools: Create
questionnaires, surveys, or observation sheets.
Steps in the Data Collection Process
⚫ Data Collection:
⚪ Gather data from the selected
sample using the chosen
method.
⚫ Organize and Analyze
Data:
⚪ Organize data into tables or
databases for easy analysis.
⚫ Present the Findings:
⚪ Present the results in the form
of graphs, tables, or reports.
Statistical Tools for Data Collection
⚫ Frequency Distribution:
⚪ Organize data into categories or classes to analyze the
distribution of data.
⚪ Example: Grouping students' scores into ranges like 0-10,
11-20, etc.
⚫ Central Tendency (Mean, Median, Mode):
⚪ Mean: Average value of the data.
⚪ Median: Middle value when data is arranged in order.
⚪ Mode: Most frequent value in the data.
Statistical Tools for Data Collection
⚫ Dispersion Measures (Range, Variance,
Standard Deviation):
⚪ Range: Difference between the maximum and minimum
values.
⚪ Variance: Measure of how data points differ from the mean.
⚪ Standard Deviation: Square root of variance, showing data
spread.
⚫ Graphical Tools (Bar Chart, Histogram, Pie
Chart):
⚪ Use graphical representations for better understanding of data
patterns.
Statistical Analysis of Collected Data
⚫ Descriptive Statistics:
⚪ Summary of data using measures
of central tendency and
dispersion.
⚫ Inferential Statistics:
⚪ Drawing conclusions about a
population based on sample data.
⚫ Graphical Representation:
o Use histograms, bar charts, and
scatter plots to represent data
visually
Best Practices for Data Collection
⚫ Objective Definition:
⚪ Have a well-defined research question before collecting data.
⚫ Random Sampling:
⚪ Ensure that the sample represents the target population.
⚫ Valid and Reliable Tools:
⚪ Use tools that are accurate and produce consistent results.
⚫ Data Integrity:
⚪ Ensure data is correctly collected, processed, and stored.
⚫ Ethical Data Collection: Respect privacy, obtain
consent, and ensure data is used responsibly
Conclusion
⚫ Data Collection is Essential for conducting
meaningful statistical analysis.
⚫ Proper Methods, Tools, and Ethics ensure that
the collected data is accurate and reliable.
⚫ Statistical Analysis transforms data into
actionable insights.
Queries?
Thank You
