Data Collection Section
Curtin University guidance shows that data-collection methods vary across quantitative, qualitative, and mixed-method research and should be chosen according to the research question, design, and practical constraints. Questionnaires, interviews, observations, records, biological measures, documents, and other methods have different requirements; follow the study design and reporting standards rather than a single universal template.
A Data Collection section explains what information was gathered, from which sources or participants, with which instruments or procedures, and under what relevant conditions.
Key details
Important caveats
Scope Boundary
Questionnaires, interviews, observations, records, biological measures, documents, and other methods have different requirements; follow the study design and reporting standards rather than a single universal template.
Further guidance
Content
Describe the collection process clearly enough for readers to understand how the data were produced, including instruments, procedures, timing, setting, or recording decisions when those details affect interpretation.
Practical Application
Describe what data were gathered, from which participants/sources, with which instruments or procedures, and under the conditions that materially affect interpretation. Match the detail to the research design rather than copying one universal checklist across surveys, interviews, observations, records, or mixed methods.
Purpose
A Data Collection section explains what information was gathered, from which sources or participants, with which instruments or procedures, and under what relevant conditions.
Reader Check
Can a reader tell who or what supplied the data, how the data were obtained, and which timing, setting, instrument, or recording details matter to understanding the study?
Worked Example
For an interview study, identify the participant source, interview format, timing/setting, and recording procedure that affect the evidence; for a survey, describe the instrument and administration process instead of reusing the interview description.
Sources and evidence
Sources are shown with the role they play in this guide. Historical or style-sensitive claims are kept within the evidence boundary described above.
- Data collection methods — Quantitative methods (opens in a new tab)Curtin University Library · University research-methods guidance that quantitative data-collection choices depend on the research question, design, and available resources.
- Data collection methods — Qualitative and mixed methods (opens in a new tab)Curtin University Library · University research-methods guidance on qualitative data-collection methods and choosing methods according to the question and study design.