Which term best describes development of data, often qualitative, by the data collector?

Which term best describes development of data, often qualitative, by the data collector?

• A. Data Collection
• B. Data Generation
• C. Trace code
• D. Backups

Answer: (B)

Qualitative data created directly by the researcher during the gathering process is described as data generation. This focuses on producing new information through activities like interviews, observations, field notes, and interpretive coding—data that emerges from the researcher's engagement with the study context rather than simply being gathered from existing sources. Data collection is the broader task of gathering information, which can include generating data but doesn’t itself emphasize the creation aspect. Trace code and backups relate to tracking or preserving data, not to producing new qualitative insights. So data generation best captures the idea of the data being developed by the data collector.

Qualitative data created directly by the researcher during the gathering process is described as data generation. This focuses on producing new information through activities like interviews, observations, field notes, and interpretive coding—data that emerges from the researcher's engagement with the study context rather than simply being gathered from existing sources. Data collection is the broader task of gathering information, which can include generating data but doesn’t itself emphasize the creation aspect. Trace code and backups relate to tracking or preserving data, not to producing new qualitative insights. So data generation best captures the idea of the data being developed by the data collector.