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

Google Cloud
Gemini for end-to-end SDLC - Português Brasileiro
Skills you'll gain: Software Development Life Cycle, Application Lifecycle Management, Google Cloud Platform, Systems Development, Application Development, Cloud Development, Development Testing, Software Development, Test Case, Web Applications, Query Languages, Debugging, Data Access, Artificial Intelligence
Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks
Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile
Certificado en Toma de Decisiones Basadas en Datos
Skills you'll gain: Descriptive Analytics, Business Analytics, Database Design, NoSQL, Statistical Reporting, SQL, Data Ethics, Digital Transformation, Query Languages, Data Mining, Databases, Data Analysis, R Programming, Big Data, Data-Driven Decision-Making, Predictive Analytics, Organizational Structure, Business Transformation, Organizational Strategy, Value Propositions
Credit offered
Mastertrack · 6 - 12 Months
Universidad de los Andes
Maestría en Inteligencia Analítica de Datos
Skills you'll gain: Systems Thinking, Network Analysis, Unsupervised Learning, Data Storytelling, Deep Learning, Predictive Modeling, Risk Analysis, Time Series Analysis and Forecasting, Project Management Life Cycle, MLOps (Machine Learning Operations), Marketing Analytics, Cash Flows, Business Analysis, Matplotlib, Descriptive Analytics, Statistical Analysis, Simulations, Random Forest Algorithm, Operations Research, Product Development
Earn a degree
Degree · 1 - 4 Years
Universidad de los Andes
Analítica de datos: visualización, predicción y toma de decisiones Certificado MasterTrack®
Skills you'll gain: Network Analysis, Data Storytelling, Predictive Modeling, Marketing Analytics, Cash Flows, Matplotlib, Financial Data, Financial Statement Analysis, Portfolio Management, Data Cleansing, Advertising, Applied Machine Learning, Statistical Machine Learning, Machine Learning, Data Visualization, Random Forest Algorithm, Operations Research, Natural Language Processing, Mathematical Modeling, Systems Analysis
Credit offered
Mastertrack · 6 - 12 Months
BITS Pilani
Bachelor of Science in Computer Science
Skills you'll gain: Relational Databases, Graph Theory, Probability & Statistics, Human Computer Interaction, Data Storytelling, Bash (Scripting Language), Object Oriented Design, Operating Systems, Android Development, Database Design, Bioinformatics, Feature Engineering, Algorithms, Version Control, Java Programming, Data Structures, Model View Controller, Computational Logic, Database Systems, Microarchitecture
Earn a degree
Degree · 1 - 4 Years
Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile
Certificado en Modelos Analíticos para la Toma de Decisiones de Negocio
Skills you'll gain: Descriptive Analytics, Business Analytics, Statistical Reporting, Data Mining, Visualization (Computer Graphics), Dimensionality Reduction, Data Analysis, R Programming, Statistical Modeling, Big Data, Data-Driven Decision-Making, Data Visualization Software, Predictive Modeling, Predictive Analytics, Data Modeling, Analytics, Advanced Analytics, Regression Analysis, Statistical Visualization, Matplotlib
Credit offered
Mastertrack · 6 - 12 Months
University of London
Master of Science in Cyber Security
Skills you'll gain: Security Management, Key Management, Human Factors (Security), Information Privacy, Security Testing, Cyber Governance, Cryptography, Infrastructure Security, Threat Modeling, Application Security, OSI Models, Malware Protection, Cyber Security Policies, Intrusion Detection and Prevention, Cyber Security Strategy, ISO/IEC 27001, Security Awareness, Data Collection, Criminal Investigation and Forensics, Data Analysis
Earn a degree
Degree · 1 - 4 Years
Status: Free
Amazon Web Services
Amazon Connect: Introduction to the Administrative Interface
Skills you'll gain: Dashboard, Business Reporting, Management Reporting, Performance Reporting, Ad Hoc Reporting, Real Time Data, Call Center Experience, Administrative Support, Trend Analysis, Workforce Management
Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks
O.P. Jindal Global University
M.A. in International Relations, Security, and Strategy
Skills you'll gain: Diplomacy, Intelligence Collection and Analysis, Risk Mitigation, Environment, Sampling (Statistics), R Programming, Survey Creation, Environmental Issue, Political Sciences, Economic Development, International Relations, Cybersecurity, Socioeconomics, Governance, Emerging Technologies, Public Safety and National Security, Mitigation, Social Sciences, Security Strategy, Conflict Management
Earn a degree
Degree · 1 - 4 Years
University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
Master of Business Administration (iMBA)
Skills you'll gain: Data Visualization, Data Storytelling, Management Accounting, Fund Accounting, Operations Management, Mergers & Acquisitions, Financial Statement Analysis, Marketing, Risk Management, Machine Learning Algorithms, Business Strategy, Extract, Transform, Load, Financial Auditing, Descriptive Statistics, Process Improvement, Marketing Analytics, Financial Market, Strategic Decision-Making, Data Collection, Corporate Tax
Earn a degree
Degree · 1 - 4 Years
Google Cloud
Boost Productivity with Gemini in BigQuery - 简体中文
Skills you'll gain: Data Pipelines, Big Data, Exploratory Data Analysis, Data Processing, Data Visualization, Artificial Intelligence, Data Analysis, Generative AI, SQL
Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks
Dartmouth College
Digital Transformation Certificate
Skills you'll gain: Predictive Analytics, Digital Transformation, Product Design, Predictive Modeling, Product Development, Business Transformation, New Product Development, Organizational Change, Data Strategy, Advanced Analytics, Design Thinking, Analytics, Agile Methodology, User Experience Design, Usability, Business Analytics, Innovation, Prototyping, Forecasting, Data-Driven Decision-Making
University Certificate · 6 - 12 Months