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: Free Trial
Meta
Python Data Analytics
Skills you'll gain: Pandas (Python Package), Data Analysis, Exploratory Data Analysis, Data Modeling, Data Manipulation, Jupyter, Data Processing, Matplotlib, Programming Principles, Data Cleansing, Data Visualization Software, Python Programming, Scripting
4.3
Rating, 4.3 out of 5 stars
199 reviews
Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months
Status: New
Status: Free Trial
Vanderbilt University
Generative AI SQL Database Specialist with ChatGPT
Skills you'll gain: Prompt Engineering, ChatGPT, Database Design, Productivity, Data Migration, Generative AI, Software Documentation, SQL, Dashboard, Artificial Intelligence, Database Management, Data Visualization, Large Language Modeling, Gap Analysis, Database Architecture and Administration, Query Languages, Technical Design, Data Storytelling, Data Analysis, Debugging
4.8
Rating, 4.8 out of 5 stars
5.9K reviews
Intermediate · Specialization · 1 - 3 Months
Status: Free Trial
IBM
Generative AI for Business Intelligence (BI) Analysts
Skills you'll gain: Prompt Engineering, Generative AI, ChatGPT, Interactive Data Visualization, Business Intelligence, Data Presentation, Infographics, OpenAI, Dashboard, Data Storytelling, Large Language Modeling, Artificial Intelligence, Program Development, SQL, Data Analysis, Content Creation, Business Ethics, Image Analysis, Virtual Environment, Natural Language Processing
4.7
Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
6.7K reviews
Intermediate · Specialization · 1 - 3 Months
Status: Free Trial
University of Pennsylvania
Business and Financial Modeling
Skills you'll gain: Risk Modeling, Financial Statements, Probability Distribution, Mathematical Modeling, Statistical Modeling, Portfolio Management, Regression Analysis, Business Modeling, Financial Modeling, Strategic Decision-Making, Risk Management, Presentations, Decision Making, Data Visualization, Microsoft PowerPoint, Predictive Modeling, Investment Management, Data-Driven Decision-Making, Spreadsheet Software, Google Sheets
4.5
Rating, 4.5 out of 5 stars
11K reviews
Beginner · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months
Status: Free Trial
University of Colorado Boulder
Data Mining Foundations and Practice
Skills you'll gain: Data Mining, Unsupervised Learning, Data Warehousing, Data Pipelines, Data Processing, Data Integration, Data Modeling, Data Science, Data Cleansing, Big Data, Supervised Learning, Data Transformation, Machine Learning Methods, Text Mining, Data Quality, Classification And Regression Tree (CART), Unstructured Data, Data Analysis, Data Presentation, Exploratory Data Analysis
Build toward a degree
4.1
Rating, 4.1 out of 5 stars
134 reviews
Intermediate · Specialization · 1 - 3 Months
Status: Free Trial
Microsoft
Microsoft Excel
Skills you'll gain: Excel Macros, Prompt Engineering, Microsoft Excel, Data Cleansing, Excel Formulas, Pivot Tables And Charts, Microsoft Copilot, Dashboard, Forecasting, Data Presentation, Data Storytelling, Data Processing, Data Visualization Software, Data Manipulation, Data Visualization, Predictive Modeling, Data Quality, Statistical Analysis, Data Transformation, Data Analysis
4.1
Rating, 4.1 out of 5 stars
98 reviews
Beginner · Professional Certificate · 3 - 6 Months
Status: Free Trial
Microsoft
Microsoft Generative AI for Data Analysis
Skills you'll gain: Prompt Engineering, Data Storytelling, Data Presentation, Dashboard, Interactive Data Visualization, Generative AI, Data Ethics, Data Visualization, Infographics, Anomaly Detection, Excel Formulas, Predictive Modeling, Data Visualization Software, Microsoft Copilot, Business Reporting, Risk Analysis, Text Mining, Risk Management, Data Quality, Data Pipelines
4.3
Rating, 4.3 out of 5 stars
65 reviews
Intermediate · Professional Certificate · 3 - 6 Months
Status: Free Trial
Meta
Meta React Native
Skills you'll gain: React Native, Jest (JavaScript Testing Framework), Version Control, UI/UX Research, Usability Testing, Unix Commands, Restful API, Git (Version Control System), Persona (User Experience), GitHub, Interaction Design, User Experience Design, SQL, User Interface and User Experience (UI/UX) Design, User Interface (UI), User Experience, Mobile Development, Design Research, React.js, Javascript
4.6
Rating, 4.6 out of 5 stars
11K reviews
Beginner · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months
Status: Free Trial
IBM
Generative AI for Software Developers
Skills you'll gain: Prompt Engineering, Generative AI, ChatGPT, Large Language Modeling, Data Ethics, OpenAI, Artificial Intelligence, Software Development Tools, Software Testing, Test Automation, Software Development, DevSecOps, Application Security, CI/CD, Natural Language Processing, Code Review, Program Development, Software Architecture, Content Creation, Image Analysis
4.7
Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
6.8K reviews
Intermediate · Specialization · 1 - 3 Months
Status: New
Status: Free Trial
IBM
Generative AI for Mobile App Developers
Skills you'll gain: Prompt Engineering, Generative AI, ChatGPT, Large Language Modeling, AI Personalization, Mobile Development, Data Ethics, OpenAI, Artificial Intelligence, Software Development Tools, Software Testing, Test Automation, Software Development, Machine Learning Methods, DevSecOps, Application Security, CI/CD, Cloud Applications, Natural Language Processing, Cloud Development
4.7
Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
6.8K reviews
Advanced · Specialization · 1 - 3 Months
Status: New
Status: Free Trial
IBM
Generative AI for Educators
Skills you'll gain: Prompt Engineering, Generative AI, ChatGPT, AI Personalization, Education Software and Technology, OpenAI, Data Ethics, Large Language Modeling, Artificial Intelligence, Program Development, Content Creation, Image Analysis, Ethical Standards And Conduct, Virtual Environment, Information Privacy, Diversity Awareness, Data Security
4.7
Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
6.7K reviews
Beginner · Specialization · 1 - 3 Months
Status: New
Status: Free Trial
IBM
Generative AI for Java and Spring Developers
Skills you'll gain: Prompt Engineering, Generative AI, ChatGPT, Large Language Modeling, Restful API, Spring Framework, Data Ethics, Natural Language Processing, OpenAI, Application Deployment, Artificial Intelligence, Software Development Tools, Software Testing, Test Automation, Software Development, DevSecOps, Application Security, CI/CD, Application Programming Interface (API), Java
4.7
Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
6.8K reviews
Intermediate · Specialization · 1 - 3 Months