This document lists and describes various data collection methods and tools that can be used across different fields such as human resources, sales and marketing, engineering, IT systems, and scientific research. It includes both qualitative and quantitative methods such as interviews, questionnaires, surveys, observations, reports, and external sources from magazines, journals, and conferences. The methods vary in their characteristics, including whether they provide objective factual data or subjective inferential data, and whether they are formal or informal in nature.

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DATA COLLECTION METHODS & TOOLS –CHARACTERISTICS & APPLICATIONS
Interviews
Questionnaires
Application blanks
Survey opinion
Resume / CV
Summary reports
Open feedbacks
Checklist
Email
SMS (MMS)
Mail
post
email
fax mail
Paged message
Telephone
Mobile
Handset
Voicemail
Intercom
Personal
Observation
Group
Panel & In depth
Stress & Personality
Technical reports
Management reports
Magazines
Journals
Conference
Lectures /Guest lectures
Seminars
Government gazettes
Sampling
Data sheets
Observation
Direct visual
Aided visual
Spatial /Temporal
Experimental
Laboratory
Field
Survey research
Opinion
Census
Subject Matter Opinion
External sources
Magazines
Journals
Seminars/Lectures
Conference
Empirical
Semi empirical
Case study
Reports
Periodic
Demand
Exceptions
Push –Pull
Work instructions
Work shops
HUMAN RESOURCES,
SALES & MARKETING
ENGINEERING &
IT SYSTEMS
SCIENTIFIC & TECHNOLOGICAL
RESEARCH
CHARACTERISTIC
Qualitative
Quantitative
Objective( factual)
Subjective (inferential)
Formal
Informal
News story
Documentary
Press releases
Columns / Editorials
Newspapers
Photo interview /diary
Focus groups
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Marketing &
Public Relations
Common Characteristic