What is data collection?

Data collection is the systematic process of gathering information like observations or measurements while doing research. When you’re performing research, you’re likely looking for answers to a question you have. When it comes to data collection, digging beyond the surface tells an intriguing story. Collecting data about what you’re researching can help you gain more insight into the details and information that’ll help you answer that question. Although it’s particularly useful in science-related applications, the beauty of data collection is that you can use it to discover answers to almost any query you dream up.

Why learn data collection?

Data are important for helping you (and others, and even computers) make all sorts of different decisions. It helps scientists learn whether their studies are working and assists marketers in sending the right messages to the right people. It's what lets us know if something new we tried is really working. As information becomes digitized, it becomes data that we can use in a variety of ways to accomplish whatever we’ve set out to do. But in order to do that, we need to gather the data first. Without data collection to compile that information, we can’t be truly efficient in analyzing those details — what if something is missing? If you’re aiming to understand how research is conducted and decisions are made, it’s essential to learn about data collection’s role.

What career opportunities can arise from learning data collection?

Almost every career that involves data provides opportunities for collecting those data, even if the primary focus isn’t only collecting data. A multitude of different analyst roles require plenty of time spent gathering data, whether you choose to work in fields like marketing, human resources or business or you’re specifically interested in working as a data scientist — someone who directs their efforts toward compiling data and translating it into information that others can use to make decisions. Even working as an actuary — a professional who assesses risks, often in insurance fields — allows you to focus much of your time on dealing with data. But these careers are just the beginning; dozens more give you the opportunity to collect data, so it’s an important skill to have and concept to understand even if it’s not the primary focus of your work.

How can taking online courses on Coursera help me learn data collection?

If you’re looking to boost your data literacy, taking our online classes provides a worthwhile opportunity to pursue your goals whenever it’s most convenient for you. Online courses give you the time and space you need to complete coursework from home while also providing you access to learning materials created by accomplished instructors and other field experts. You’ll enjoy learning the basic frameworks of data collection and analysis as you’re getting started learning about this topic by discovering the role of research, analysis and collection techniques. As you advance, you might choose to study more complex topics like utilizing the Python programming language to create programs that fetch and analyze data. And with a variety of learning programs, from certificates to specializations to course credits for college degrees, you can formalize your data analysis accomplishments as you continue to build skills.

Top Data Collection Courses - Learn Data Collection Online

Explore the Data Collection Course Catalog

Status: New
Status: Free Trial
Vanderbilt University
AI Agents and Agentic AI in Python: Powered by Generative AI
Skills you'll gain: Prompt Engineering, ChatGPT, Generative AI Agents, OpenAI, Productivity, Python Programming, Agentic systems, Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning (AI/ML), Generative AI, Artificial Intelligence, Large Language Modeling, Creative Thinking, Ingenuity, Brainstorming, Software Development Tools, Application Development, Prototyping, Persona (User Experience), Business Logic, Automation
4.8
Rating, 4.8 out of 5 stars
6K reviews
Beginner · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months
Status: Free Trial
Google Cloud
Preparing for Google Cloud Certification: Cloud DevOps Engineer
Skills you'll gain: Site Reliability Engineering, Kubernetes, Application Performance Management, Google Cloud Platform, Cloud Infrastructure, System Monitoring, Prompt Engineering, Application Deployment, Identity and Access Management, DevOps, CI/CD, Containerization, Cloud Storage, Cloud Security, Cloud Services, Cloud Management, Service Level Agreement, Safety Culture, Event Monitoring, Culture Transformation
4.7
Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
54K reviews
Beginner · Professional Certificate · 3 - 6 Months
Status: Free Trial
Vanderbilt University
ChatGPT: Excel at Personal Automation with GPTs, AI & Zapier
Skills you'll gain: Generative AI Agents, Prompt Engineering, ChatGPT, Generative AI, Agentic systems, Productivity, AI Personalization, OpenAI, Expense Management, Artificial Intelligence, Personalized Service, Expense Reports, Large Language Modeling, Workflow Management, Google Workspace, Creative Thinking, Ingenuity, Productivity Software, Brainstorming, Business Process Automation
4.8
Rating, 4.8 out of 5 stars
6.2K reviews
Beginner · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months
Status: Free Trial
Vanderbilt University
ChatGPT Advanced Data Analysis
Skills you'll gain: Prompt Engineering, Data Presentation, ChatGPT, Document Management, Artificial Intelligence, Microsoft Excel, Problem Solving, Data Analysis, Generative AI, Information Management, File Management, Creativity, Automation
4.8
Rating, 4.8 out of 5 stars
786 reviews
Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months
Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México
Introducción a Data Science: Programación Estadística con R
Skills you'll gain: R Programming, Statistical Programming, Ggplot2, Data Manipulation, Simulations, Statistical Software, Data Science, Data Visualization, Graphing, Programming Principles, Data Import/Export, Scripting, Data Structures, Software Installation, Package and Software Management
4.7
Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
8.5K reviews
Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months
Status: Free Trial
Google Cloud
Google Cloud Database Engineer
Skills you'll gain: Google Cloud Platform, Cloud Infrastructure, Application Deployment, Prompt Engineering, Kubernetes, Containerization, Database Architecture and Administration, MySQL, Cloud Computing Architecture, PostgreSQL, Identity and Access Management, Cloud Storage, Data Migration, Cloud Services, Database Administration, Cloud Management, Virtual Machines, Cloud Security, Cloud Applications, Operational Databases
4.7
Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
49K reviews
Intermediate · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months
DeepLearning.AI
Generative AI for Everyone
Skills you'll gain: Prompt Engineering, Generative AI, Large Language Modeling, OpenAI, ChatGPT, Artificial Intelligence, Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning (AI/ML), Business Process Automation, Automation, Ethical Standards And Conduct, Cloud Applications
4.8
Rating, 4.8 out of 5 stars
3.6K reviews
Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks
Status: Free Trial
Google Cloud
Introduction to Generative AI Learning Path
Skills you'll gain: Large Language Modeling, Generative AI, Prompt Engineering, Data Ethics, Google Cloud Platform, Business Ethics, Application Development, Artificial Intelligence, Accountability, Compliance Training, Ethical Standards And Conduct, Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning (AI/ML), Governance, Organizational Effectiveness, Machine Learning Methods, Decision Making, Corporate Strategy
4.6
Rating, 4.6 out of 5 stars
9.2K reviews
Intermediate · Specialization · 1 - 3 Months
Status: Free Trial
DeepLearning.AI
Linear Algebra for Machine Learning and Data Science
Skills you'll gain: Linear Algebra, NumPy, Dimensionality Reduction, Machine Learning Methods, Jupyter, Data Manipulation, Data Science, Applied Mathematics, Python Programming, Image Analysis, Artificial Intelligence
4.6
Rating, 4.6 out of 5 stars
2K reviews
Intermediate · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks
Status: Free Trial
Multiple educators
IBM and ISC2 Cybersecurity Specialist
Skills you'll gain: Network Security, Incident Response, Cloud Computing Architecture, Penetration Testing, Computer Security Incident Management, Cloud Services, Business Continuity, Security Controls, Disaster Recovery, Peripheral Devices, Cybersecurity, Configuration Management, Computing Platforms, Cloud Security, Cloud Platforms, Network Protocols, Encryption, Cyber Attacks, Cloud Computing, Software Development Life Cycle
4.7
Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
13K reviews
Beginner · Professional Certificate · 3 - 6 Months
Status: Free Trial
Google
Get Started with Python
Skills you'll gain: Object Oriented Programming (OOP), Data Analysis, Data Structures, Jupyter, Python Programming, NumPy, Pandas (Python Package), Programming Principles, Scripting, Data Manipulation, Algorithms
4.8
Rating, 4.8 out of 5 stars
1.6K reviews
Advanced · Course · 1 - 3 Months
Status: Free Trial
Google Cloud
Preparing for Google Cloud Certification: Cloud Developer
Skills you'll gain: Containerization, Cloud Applications, Google Cloud Platform, Cloud Infrastructure, Application Deployment, Docker (Software), Kubernetes, Application Development, CI/CD, Cloud Development, Microservices, Authentications, Serverless Computing, Identity and Access Management, Cloud Storage, Cloud Services, Virtual Machines, Generative AI, Cloud API, Prompt Engineering
4.7
Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
49K reviews
Intermediate · Professional Certificate · 3 - 6 Months