ONLINE TOOLS AND DATA GATHERING

OBJECTIVES
 Discuss the different ways to gather information
 Identify common online tools used in data gathering
 Enumerate the functions of each online tool
 Explain the advantages and disadvantages of using online surveys
to gather data

START

Have you recently conducted a research about certain topic? How did you go
about it? Did you find it difficult to find all the information that you need?

With the growing network of computer around the world, obtaining information
about anything is just a few clicks away. However, it is not easy to validate which of
these information is factual and capable of analysis. Read and learn more about data
gathering.
 PRESENT

Data are bits of raw information, usually in digital form, which can be
transmitted or processed to be meaningful. Data gathering is a process of collecting
information to answer research questions, test hypothesis, and evaluate outcomes.
There are two types of data sources.
1. The primary data sources provide information that you, as researcher collected
from observations, interviews, or surveys. Collecting data from primary sources
is very time-consuming and often expensive, but it can help you plan which data
is important to serve the purpose of your research. You can decide which data
gathering method to use depending on the type of information you need and
your sources.
2. The secondary data sources provide information collected and processed by
another researcher or entity. This type of data sources can help you know more
about the research project before you even collect your primary data. This
includes articles, records or publications, reviews, ad data obtained from the
Web.

DATA GATHERING METHODS

It is important to know some background information on your topic for you to
address other matters relevant to your research. The Web is an enormous source of
information and technological advancements can help you collect information from the
internet, from a group of people, or from individual websites more efficiently. Below
are the different methods that you can use to collect data.

 Archival and institutional method

This method makes use of archives, libraries, public records, museum
collections, financial records, newsletters, etc.

 Observation method
Observation method can produce descriptive data as well as numerical
data. It provides additional information because the researcher can give insights
based on observations.
  Group discussions
Group of individuals are brought together to discuss a particular topic.
The environment is more relaxed, and everyone can give insights, ideas, or
feedback on the topic.

 Interviews
Interviews can be conducted in person or over the phone. This is usually
done to collect qualitative data or narrative data.

 Questionnaires and Surveys

This method of data gathering gives results which are easier to analyze
because you can assign numerical values to responses.

Note that these methods have appropriate uses. You can choose whichever
works well for your research.

DATA COLLECTION AND THE INTERNET

Using the internet is a convenient means of gathering
information. Data which are available on the Web are not
necessarily raw, but you must always be careful when using
information from the Web.
There are many online data gathering tools available
over the internet. Below are some of these tools.

Search Engines
A web browser is an application software that can be installed in the computer
and is used to retrieve and display websites available around the world. It also allows
users to search for information on specific topics on the Web using a search engine. A
search engine is a powerful online data gathering tool. Internet connection and web
browser are needed for search engines to work. When you enter a keyword in the
search bar, the search engine will look for all information containing that keyword over
the internet. Then the search results that are relevant to your query will be displayed on
your computer screen. Bing, Google, MSN, and Yahoo are examples of search engines.
Search engines assumes that useful information can be found in popular sites,
pages, or documents. There are specialized search engines that display types of content.
In Google, for example, you can filter the search results by clicking the type of
document you are looking for like videos, images, news, or maps.
Search Engine Optimization (SEO) Tools
These tools hep website owners gather data about the visitors of their site. For
example. GoStats displays the number of people who visit the website, how long they
have stayed, and how they find the website. Shown below is a sample demographics of
GoStats.
Address Bar

Search Bar

Search Engine
Type of Content

Surveys
Another online data gathering tool are web-based surveys. Gone are the days of
using pens and papers to answer survey forms or questionnaires. Online survey sites
allow you to design a survey that can then be administered via an internet link. Surveys
created using online tools can be emailed or posted on social media accounts. Examples
of online survey tools include SurveyMonkey, Zoomerang, and QuestionPro.

Databases
A database is a comprehensive collection of data organized especially for rapid
search and retrieval by a computer. There are thousands of databases available online.
Open Data Philippines allows you to search, access, and use government data for your
research, reports, projects, or applications for free. It is a collection of government data
that can be downloaded and shared by anyone in the Philippines. The National Library
also has an online database where you can view materials online or find its location on-
site.
 SAVE

Data are bits of raw information, usually in digital form, which can be transmitted or
processed to be meaningful.

Data gathering is a process of collecting information to answer research questions, test

hypotheses, and evaluate outcomes.

The primary data sources provide information collected from observations, interviews, or
surveys.

The secondary data sources provide information collected and processed by another
researcher or entity.

The different methods of collecting data are as follows:

1. Archival and institutional method

2. Observation method
3. Group discussions
4. Interviews
5. Questionnaires and surveys

Using the internet is a convenient means of gathering information. Some examples of

online data gathering tools available over the internet are:

1. Search engines
2. Search Engine Optimization (SEO) Tools
3. Surveys
4. Databases

A database is a comprehensive collection of data organized especially for rapid search and
retrieval by a computer.
 RETRIEVE

ACTIVITY 1

Complete each statement by writing the correct word(s).

1. ___________________________ are bits of raw information, usually in digital

form, which can be transmitted or processed to be meaningful.
2. The ___________________________ data sources provide information collected
from observations, interviews, or surveys.
3. The ___________________________ data sources provide information collected
and processes by another researcher or entity.
4. The process of collecting information to answer research questions, test
hypothesis, and evaluate outcomes is called ___________________________.
5. Using the ___________________________ is a convenient means of gathering
information because you can have access to tons of available data online.
6. A ___________________________ is a comprehensive collection of data organized
especially for rapid search and retrieval by a computer.
7. SurveyMonkey is an example of online ___________________________ tools.
8. ___________________________ is a method of acquiring information through
conversation in person or over the phone.
9. A ___________________________ is a powerful online data gathering tool that
needs a web browser to work.
10. In a ___________________________, the environment is more relaxed and
everyone can give insights, ideas, or feedback on the topic.
 ACTIVITY 2

Identify the data gathering method that is more appropriate to use in each given
situation. Write your answer inside the boxes.

1. Have a one-on-one conversation with a local official who can explain an event

2. Obtain satisfaction rating from a large group of attendees

3. Make a narrative report regarding the interaction between youth and staff within
the program

4. Informally discuss plans with the PTO officers regarding the different summer
activities/classes of the school

5. Understands the primary reasons why pupils miss schools by analyzing records on
issues associated with youth with both parents working abroad.
 ACTIVITY 3

Write down three characteristics of each type of data source.

Primary Data Source Secondary Data Source

1. 1.

2. 2.

3. 3.