Monday, April 09, 2007

Data Collection Instruments_

Data Collection Serves Many Purposes



The collection of data can be done for many different reasons. Scientific researchers employ methods for data collection to use in the research studies that they design. This research could be in many different subject areas, and it could serve many different purposes. These researchers might be looking for the reasons for childhood obesity or the best methods for teaching calculus to college students. Medical researchers use data collection methods to find information on the reasons for cancer or the incidents of postpartum depression in new mothers.

Business researchers use data collection methods to find out about leadership styles and the effects of increased salary on worker morale. The business leaders believe that data collection is important to improve their bottom line or their profits. Data collection is important in business because the profits are important. Data collection has led to improvement for many companies so those in charge of businesses will probably continue to collect data for many years to come. The data collection methods vary for businesses. These leaders might use surveys or interviews by researchers to collect the data that provides them important information about their organizations.

Data Collection Is Important to Those in charge of the National Census

Every ten years, officials in charge of the United States census begin one of the biggest programs of data collection in the world. The census provides information about the population of the country, and this information provides insight into some of the strengths and weaknesses of the country. The information collected gives an accurate account of the number of people living in the country. This also gives information on the ages of these people and the makeup of their family units. This data also provides information on the income of the population and the ethnic makeup of this population.

A good portion of the information collected for the national census is collected by workers who go door to door. These workers are hired especially for this massive project. Some of the data is collected through surveys that are mailed to all of the households in the country. After the data is collected, the information is compiled into a report, and this information is a matter of the public record. This information is used by the government to apportion the seats in the Congress of the United States. Every ten years, some states gain and some states lose representatives in the Congress based on the information gathered in the census.

Introducing data collection - facts and figures
Why I Like data collection


 

Saturday, April 07, 2007

Data Collection Devices_

Everyday Uses for Data Collection Devices



Data collection devices can be used in many ways and in all forms of business. Anything from an online survey to an automated timekeeping system can be considered a data collection device. These devices have many uses and can provide more convenient services in various industries.

Almost any workplace could use an automated timekeeping system which provides accurate and simple information on employee's timekeeping and weekly production. This can range from capturing the times that the employee logs in and out at to more complex and detailed information about a staff member's production. For companies that don't use these systems, there are web based and mobile based data collection devices.

Although timekeeping devices are generally the most well known forms of data collection device in a business, many companies require a system to gather other types of information. This can include consumer and potential customer information.

Whenever a person fills out a form including their personal details especially on the Internet, the information is usually stored on a data collection device in order for companies to find out more about the types of customers looking for their product and also what exactly they are looking for. Many companies organize this type of information with their systems in order to pass on to other businesses.

More Unusual Types of Data Collection Devices

Data is inputted in order to assess information on a larger scale. These types of data collection devices can even be used in forensics by inputting the available data; the device can output various outcomes. This is why these devices are now being used for forensics and crime games whereby the player uses the available information to figure out probably solutions to the virtual crimes.

Companies that use a fleet of vehicles may wish to install a data collection device that enables them to have constant knowledge of the location of each and every one of their vehicles. This can be useful when orders are changed or if the vehicle is delivering stock and the shipping address is altered.

Taxi services find this type of device useful as they can always be aware of the nearest cab to any possible customers. Data collection devices can also be placed in vehicles that are on long journeys in order to assess the distance traveled and the amount of breaks taken.

Most data collection devices are used on an every-day basis while a lot of people that use these devices never stopping to think about their uses. Some other forms of data collection devices include electronic devices that allow students to gather data in order to learn about mathematics and even science.

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