Scientific problems are only solved on the basis of data. A major responsibility of the researcher is to bring up a research design which is capable of providing data (information) necessary for the solution of a problem. Data are information gather in the course of the research.

Data collection is a fundamental part of a research without which the research cannot be concluded. Data can come in form of figures, photographs, charts etc.

Before embarking on data collection, the researcher has to do the following:

Step 1:

1. Identification of research problem
2. Preparation of research proposal
3. Identification of research population
4. Selection of sample

Step 2:

1. Formulation of research hypothesis
2. Data collection

Each of the above steps are linked and dependent on the other. If one step is omitted or wrong, the others will experience an error.

Because of the relevance of data, data collection is classified into two broad methods namely:

1. Primary method of data collection
2. Secondary sources of data collection

Primary Data:

The primary data includes all data collected for a specific purpose by the researcher from the field. It is also referred as first-hand information (i.e., gotten fresh from the field) collected in the course of investigating a subject matter. Example of primary sources of data collection includes;

1. Questionnaire
2. Observation
3. Interview
4. Telephone
5. Experience
6. Report

Secondary Sources of data:

Secondary data constitutes data (information) collected from already existing records or books/papers. Also known as “second-hand information.

Secondary data can be extracted from federal offices of statistics, excise office, libraries, Archives, brochure, directories, textbooks, newspapers, reports, magazines, publications and journals etc. while collecting data through the secondary source, it is pertinent that the researcher acknowledges the sources of the information i.e., proper citation and referencing.