Data Collection Methods Data collection is a 1 of collecting information from all the relevant sources to find 2 to the research 3 , test the 4 and evaluate the 5 . Data collection methods can be divided into two categories: secondary methods of data collection and primary methods of data collection. Secondary Data Collection Methods Secondary data is a type of data that has already been 6 in books, newspapers, magazines, journals, online portals etc. There is an abundance of data available in these sources about your research area in business studies, almost 7 the nature of the research area. Therefore, application of appropriate set of criteria to select secondary data to be used in the study plays an important role in terms of 8 the levels of research validity and reliability. These criteria include, but not limited to date of publication, credential of the author, reliability of the source, quality of discussions, depth of analyses, the extent of contribution of the text to the development of the research area etc. Primary Data Collection Methods Primary data collection methods can be 9 into two groups: quantitative and qualitative. Quantitative data collection methods are based in mathematical calculations in various formats. Methods of quantitative data collection and analysis include 10 with closed-ended questions, methods of correlation and regression, mean, mode and median and others. Quantitative methods are cheaper to apply and they can be applied within 11 duration of time compared to qualitative methods. Moreover, due to a high level of standardisation of quantitative methods, it is 12 to make comparisons of findings. Qualitative research methods, on the contrary, do not involve numbers or 13 calculations. Qualitative research is closely associated with words, sounds, feeling, emotions, colours and other elements that are non-quantifiable. Qualitative studies aim to ensure greater level of depth of understanding and qualitative data 14 methods include interviews, questionnaires with open-ended questions, focus groups, observation, game or role-playing, case studies etc. Your choice between quantitative or qualitative methods of data collection depends on the area of your 15 and the nature of research aims and objectives.