research tools examples

Top 21 must-have digital tools for researchers

Last updated

12 May 2023

Reviewed by

Jean Kaluza

Research drives many decisions across various industries, including:

Uncovering customer motivations and behaviors to design better products

Assessing whether a market exists for your product or service

Running clinical studies to develop a medical breakthrough

Conducting effective and shareable research can be a painstaking process. Manual processes are sluggish and archaic, and they can also be inaccurate. That’s where advanced online tools can help.

The right tools can enable businesses to lean into research for better forecasting, planning, and more reliable decisions.

Why do researchers need research tools?

Research is challenging and time-consuming. Analyzing data , running focus groups , reading research papers , and looking for useful insights take plenty of heavy lifting.

These days, researchers can’t just rely on manual processes. Instead, they’re using advanced tools that:

Speed up the research process

Enable new ways of reaching customers

Improve organization and accuracy

Allow better monitoring throughout the process

Enhance collaboration across key stakeholders

The most important digital tools for researchers

Some tools can help at every stage, making researching simpler and faster.

They ensure accurate and efficient information collection, management, referencing, and analysis.

Some of the most important digital tools for researchers include:

Research management tools

Research management can be a complex and challenging process. Some tools address the various challenges that arise when referencing and managing papers.

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Coined as a personal research assistant, Zotero is a tool that brings efficiency to the research process. Zotero helps researchers collect, organize, annotate, and share research easily.

Zotero integrates with internet browsers, so researchers can easily save an article, publication, or research study on the platform for later.

The tool also has an advanced organizing system to allow users to label, tag, and categorize information for faster insights and a seamless analysis process.

Messy paper stacks––digital or physical––are a thing of the past with Paperpile. This reference management tool integrates with Google Docs, saving users time with citations and paper management.

Referencing, researching, and gaining insights is much cleaner and more productive, as all papers are in the same place. Plus, it’s easier to find a paper when you need it.

Acting as a single source of truth (SSOT), Dovetail houses research from the entire organization in a simple-to-use place. Researchers can use the all-in-one platform to collate and store data from interviews , forms, surveys , focus groups, and more.

Dovetail helps users quickly categorize and analyze data to uncover truly actionable insights . This helps organizations bring customer insights into every decision for better forecasting, planning, and decision-making.

Dovetail integrates with other helpful tools like Slack, Atlassian, Notion, and Zapier for a truly efficient workflow.

Putting together papers and referencing sources can be a huge time consumer. EndNote claims that researchers waste 200,000 hours per year formatting citations.

To address the issue, the tool formats citations automatically––simultaneously creating a bibliography while the user writes.

EndNote is also a cloud-based system that allows remote working, multiple-user interaction and collaboration, and seamless working on different devices.

Information survey tools

Surveys are a common way to gain data from customers. These tools can make the process simpler and more cost-effective.

With ready-made survey templates––to collect NPS data, customer effort scores , five-star surveys, and more––getting going with Delighted is straightforward.

Delighted helps teams collect and analyze survey feedback without needing any technical knowledge. The templates are customizable, so you can align the content with your brand. That way, the survey feels like it’s coming from your company, not a third party.

SurveyMonkey

With millions of customers worldwide, SurveyMonkey is another leader in online surveys. SurveyMonkey offers hundreds of templates that researchers can use to set up and deploy surveys quickly.

Whether your survey is about team performance, hotel feedback, post-event feedback, or an employee exit, SurveyMonkey has a ready-to-use template.

Typeform offers free templates you can quickly embed, which comes with a point of difference: It designs forms and surveys with people in mind, focusing on customer enjoyment.

Typeform employs the ‘one question at a time’ method to keep engagement rates and completions high. It focuses on surveys that feel more like conversations than a list of questions.

Web data analysis tools

Collecting data can take time––especially technical information. Some tools make that process simpler.

For those conducting clinical research, data collection can be incredibly time-consuming. Teamscope provides an online platform to collect and manage data simply and easily.

Researchers and medical professionals often collect clinical data through paper forms or digital means. Those are too easy to lose, tricky to manage, and challenging to collaborate on.

With Teamscope, you can easily collect, store, and electronically analyze data like patient-reported outcomes and surveys.

Heap is a digital insights platform providing context on the entire customer journey . This helps businesses improve customer feedback , conversion rates, and loyalty.

Through Heap, you can seamlessly view and analyze the customer journey across all platforms and touchpoints, whether through the app or website.

Another analytics tool, Smartlook, combines quantitative and qualitative analytics into one platform. This helps organizations understand user behavior and make crucial improvements.

Smartlook is useful for analyzing web pages, purchasing flows, and optimizing conversion rates.

Project management tools

Managing multiple research projects across many teams can be complex and challenging. Project management tools can ease the burden on researchers.

Visual productivity tool Trello helps research teams manage their projects more efficiently. Trello makes product tracking easier with:

A range of workflow options

Unique project board layouts

Advanced descriptions

Integrations

Trello also works as an SSOT to stay on top of projects and collaborate effectively as a team.

To connect research, workflows, and teams, Airtable provides a clean interactive interface.

With Airtable, it’s simple to place research projects in a list view, workstream, or road map to synthesize information and quickly collaborate. The Sync feature makes it easy to link all your research data to one place for faster action.

For product teams, Asana gathers development, copywriting, design, research teams, and product managers in one space.

As a task management platform, Asana offers all the expected features and more, including time-tracking and Jira integration. The platform offers reporting alongside data collection methods , so it’s a favorite for product teams in the tech space.

Grammar checker tools

Grammar tools ensure your research projects are professional and proofed.

No one’s perfect, especially when it comes to spelling, punctuation, and grammar. That’s where Grammarly can help.

Grammarly’s AI-powered platform reviews your content and corrects any mistakes. Through helpful integrations with other platforms––such as Gmail, Google Docs, Twitter, and LinkedIn––it’s simple to spellcheck as you go.

Another helpful grammar tool is Trinka AI. Trinka is specifically for technical and academic styles of writing. It doesn’t just correct mistakes in spelling, punctuation, and grammar; it also offers explanations and additional information when errors show.

Researchers can also use Trinka to enhance their writing and:

Align it with technical and academic styles

Improve areas like syntax and word choice

Discover relevant suggestions based on the content topic

Plagiarism checker tools

Avoiding plagiarism is crucial for the integrity of research. Using checker tools can ensure your work is original.

Plagiarism checker Quetext uses DeepSearch™ technology to quickly sort through online content to search for signs of plagiarism.

With color coding, annotations, and an overall score, it’s easy to identify conflict areas and fix them accordingly.

Duplichecker

Another helpful plagiarism tool is Duplichecker, which scans pieces of content for issues. The service is free for content up to 1000 words, with paid options available after that.

If plagiarism occurs, a percentage identifies how much is duplicate content. However, the interface is relatively basic, offering little additional information.

Journal finder tools

Finding the right journals for your project can be challenging––especially with the plethora of inaccurate or predatory content online. Journal finder tools can solve this issue.

Enago Journal Finder

The Enago Open Access Journal Finder sorts through online journals to verify their legitimacy. Through Engao, you can discover pre-vetted, high-quality journals through a validated journal index.

Enago’s search tool also helps users find relevant journals for their subject matter, speeding up the research process.

JournalFinder

JournalFinder is another journal tool that’s popular with academics and researchers. It makes the process of discovering relevant journals fast by leaning into a machine-learning algorithm.

This is useful for discovering key information and finding the right journals to publish and share your work in.

Social networking for researchers

Collaboration between researchers can improve the accuracy and sharing of information. Promoting research findings can also be essential for public health, safety, and more.

While typical social networks exist, some are specifically designed for academics.

ResearchGate

Networking platform ResearchGate encourages researchers to connect, collaborate, and share within the scientific community. With 20 million researchers on the platform, it's a popular choice.

ResearchGate is founded on an intention to advance research. The platform provides topic pages for easy connection within a field of expertise and access to millions of publications to help users stay up to date.

Academia is another commonly used platform that connects 220 million academics and researchers within their specialties.

The platform aims to accelerate research with discovery tools and grow a researcher’s audience to promote their ideas.

On Academia, users can access 47 million PDFs for free. They cover topics from mechanical engineering to applied economics and child psychology.

Expedited research with the power of tools

For researchers, finding data and information can be time-consuming and complex to manage. That’s where the power of tools comes in.

Manual processes are slow, outdated, and have a larger potential for inaccuracies.

Leaning into tools can help researchers speed up their processes, conduct efficient research, boost their accuracy, and share their work effectively.

With tools available for project and data management, web data collection, and journal finding, researchers have plenty of assistance at their disposal.

When it comes to connecting with customers, advanced tools boost customer connection while continually bringing their needs and wants into products and services.

What are primary research tools?

Primary research is data and information that you collect firsthand through surveys, customer interviews, or focus groups.

Secondary research is data and information from other sources, such as journals, research bodies, or online content.

Primary researcher tools use methods like surveys and customer interviews. You can use these tools to collect, store, or manage information effectively and uncover more accurate insights.

What is the difference between tools and methods in research?

Research methods relate to how researchers gather information and data.

For example, surveys, focus groups, customer interviews, and A/B testing are research methods that gather information.

On the other hand, tools assist areas of research. Researchers may use tools to more efficiently gather data, store data securely, or uncover insights.

Tools can improve research methods, ensuring efficiency and accuracy while reducing complexity.

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Academic Research Tools: What they are + Top 5 Best

Academic research is a rigorous activity that requires a lot of dedication and diligence to provide great-quality results. Technology has improved how we access information by making access to information faster and more effective, so we carry out research more efficiently.

When conducting research, you must have the best methods and tools to facilitate the process. Every researcher needs a typing assistant to review spelling, grammar, and punctuation mistakes. If your research involves data analysis, you need a statistical research tool. You’ll probably need a virtual library for consulting if it involves psychology or sociology.

What are academic research tools?

An academic research tool is a software or platform that helps researchers organize, analyze, and manage the various components of their research projects. Some examples of academic research tools include reference management software, data visualization software, and survey design tools. These tools are designed to support the various stages of the research process, from literature review and data collection to data analysis and publication.

Reference management software, such as Mendeley or Endnote, allows researchers to organize and manage their bibliographic references and citations. This can be particularly helpful for large literature reviews, as it allows researchers to easily search and access their reference library and format citations and bibliographies in various styles. Additionally, many reference management tools offer features like annotation and collaboration, so researchers can share their reference libraries with colleagues and work on them together.

Data visualization software, like Tableau or R, can help researchers to explore and understand their data. These tools allow researchers to create interactive visualizations from their data, such as charts, graphs, and maps. This can be very useful for identifying patterns and trends that might not be immediately apparent from looking at raw data. These tools also provide a way to communicate the findings from their research clearly and effectively, as visualizations can be more easily understood than raw data.

Data collection software is another important tool that can support the research process. This software can be used to design and administer surveys, collect and store data, and manage participant information. Top data collection software such as QuestionPro offers a variety of question types, such as multiple choice, rating scales, and open-ended questions. They can be used to conduct surveys online or in person. This software also provides features like skip logic, data validation, and data export, which can help to ensure data quality and facilitate analysis. Some data collection software also integrates with data visualization or statistical software, making it easy to analyze and visualize once data is collected.

Top 5 Academic Research Tools

There are endless tools for academic research that can help you in any stage of the research process, from educational search engine software and project management tools to grammar editors and reference managers. Adopting these technologies can improve the quality of academic research, regardless of the field or topic.

From the multiple options in the market, we made a list of the best five academic research tools you can use to level up your academic research:

EndNote gives you the tools you need for searching, organizing, and sharing your research. It allows you to easily create bibliographies while writing your following paper with features like Cite While You Write. Maximize your time with features like finding full text for your references and automatically updating records.

Whether you’re on your desktop, online, or iPad, EndNote’s syncing capabilities let you access all of your references, attachments, and groups from anywhere.

Bit AI is an excellent tool for collaborating on research with your team. It’s essentially like a Google Docs but specifically made for research. You can upload and share different file formats, including PDFs, videos, white papers, etc., and then edit them together with your team.

Typeset is a great tool when it comes to writing your own research papers. You can upload all your references for simple citations and check your work for spelling errors and plagiarism. Typeset also offers features to collaborate with your teammates and get the work done together.

2. Google Scholar

Google Scholar is a classic tool that only some people know about. It’s essentially a version of the traditional Google search but focused on scientific and academic papers, journals, books, and other publications. Instead of using Google, you can use Google Scholar to eliminate the risk of citing non-credible sources.

1. QuestionPro

Most academic research, regardless of field or topic, requires data analysis so the information can have a solid foundation. Online surveys are critical to examine population samples so hypotheses can be proved or disregarded. While methods and techniques may vary, QuestionPro survey software is an excellent academic research tool for conducting online surveys.

QuestionPro’s robust suite of research tools provides you with all you need to derive research results. If someone needs a simple survey tool or a collaborative research solution, this software offers solutions in an intuitive way. The platform is simple to use intuitively, but our certification process can assist you in creating powerful surveys that minimize the risks of information bias. If needed, in the platform, you can also perform Audience Surveys . Audience gives you access to millions of possible respondents so that your segmentation sample for academic research becomes 360°.

QuestionPro also provides easy-to-setup analytical research tools to build dashboards and visualizations for all your research results. Presenting the data collected comprehensively is a crucial factor in research, making it easier for anyone to consult and cite the information.

It’s crucial to decide on the tools for data collection because research is carried out in different ways and for various purposes. Data collection aims to capture quality evidence that allows analysis to formulate convincing and credible answers to the posed questions.

With QuestionPro Education Research Solutions, you gain access to the top survey software in the market. Conduct powerful surveys with a complete set of data analytics tools to gather valuable insights. Join our community of more than 5000+ universities and colleges across the globe that already use our platform to make research of impact.

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Scientific Tools in Research: A Comprehensive Guide

We can all agree that scientific research requires specialized tools and instrumentation to systematically investigate natural phenomena.

This guide provides a comprehensive overview of the essential scientific tools used in research, from basic equipment to advanced technologies, and how they enable the discovery and communication of new knowledge.

You will explore the core scientific tools that researchers utilize across disciplines, the key applications and capabilities of advanced instrumentation, as well as emerging tools reshaping the future of science. Additionally, we cover software, writing aids, and best practices for effectively communicating research findings using these powerful tools.

Introduction to Scientific Tools in Research Methodology

Scientific tools refer to the instruments, equipment, methodologies, and technologies used by researchers across all scientific disciplines to systematically gather data, run experiments, analyze information, and test hypotheses. As this guide will explore, they play an indispensable role across the entire scientific method.

Defining Scientific Tools and Their Uses

Scientific tools encompass a wide range of devices and methodologies, including:

Laboratory equipment used to carry out experiments, such as microscopes, scales, thermometers, and more

Field gear like telescopes, cameras, GPS, and sensors to collect observational data

Advanced technologies like particle colliders, satellites, supercomputers, and AI systems to process huge volumes of information

Statistical, computational, and visualization tools to analyze data and discern patterns

Standardized protocols and techniques to ensure consistency across tests and experiments

These tools serve diverse functions across the scientific process, like precision measurement, controlled experimentation, advanced analysis, replicable methodologies, and more. Their overarching goal is to expand the capabilities of human senses and cognition to deepen our understanding of natural phenomena through systematic investigation.

The Vital Role of Scientific Tools in Research

Modern science would be impossible without the specialized tools and technologies that empower discovery and analysis. Key roles and benefits include:

Enabling investigation at vastly different scales - from nanoscale cellular functions to the farthest cosmic reaches

Expanding sensory capabilities - allowing us to see atoms, hear gravitational waves, and detect invisible phenomena

Increasing measurement precision for accurate, granular data collection

Allowing advanced computation and analysis of massive, complex data

Facilitating controlled, replicable experiments through standardized laboratory techniques

Accelerating knowledge gathering and testing through high-throughput technologies

Without this constant evolution of sophisticated tools, our understanding of the natural world would remain extremely limited. They thus play an indispensable role across scientific domains and research initiatives.

Outline and Objectives of the Guide

This guide aims to provide researchers with a comprehensive overview of essential scientific tools and their applications across the research process. Key objectives include:

Categorizing major types of scientific tools and their use cases

Providing examples of vital tools in active research contexts

Discussing key selection criteria and best practices for applying them

Demonstrating how these tools contribute to robust, replicable science

Inspiring readers on cutting-edge tools and methodologies reshaping possibilities

With the accelerating pace of scientific progress, understanding the evolving landscape of enabling tools and technologies will only grow more valuable for the next generation of researchers. This guide seeks to illuminate their foundations and trajectories.

What are the use of scientific tools in research?

Scientific tools are essential in research as they allow scientists to make precise measurements, carry out experiments, and make detailed observations. Some key uses and examples of scientific tools in research include:

Taking Measurements

Stopwatches measure the passage of time in experiments with great accuracy. They can time chemical reactions, the growth rate of bacterial cultures, and more.

Scales precisely measure the mass of chemicals, tissues, organisms, and other materials used in experiments. Highly sensitive scales can detect tiny changes in mass.

Rulers, measuring tapes, and calipers allow researchers to quantify the physical dimensions of specimens and materials accurately. Precise measurements enable calculating volumes, growth rates, concentrations, and other metrics.

Experiments

Microscopes, from light to electron microscopy, enable viewing tiny structures like cells and molecules to study their form and function. Time-lapse microscopy tracks dynamic processes.

Spectrophotometers measure the interaction of light and matter. Researchers use them to quantify chemicals in solutions and study reaction kinetics.

Chromatography instruments separate chemical mixtures to identify their components. These tools are indispensable in biochemistry.

Gene sequencing machines rapidly decode DNA and RNA molecules. Understanding genetic blueprints provides insights into inheritance, mutations, and disease.

Observation

Telescopes gather light from astronomical objects like stars and galaxies. They expand our understanding of the cosmos and physics.

Seismometers detect vibrations in the Earth, whether from earthquakes or volcanoes. Analysis of seismic waves reveals Earth's inner structure.

In summary, scientific tools empower researchers to probe natural phenomena on scales ranging from the astronomical to molecular. By enhancing human senses, they uncover new realms of knowledge that advance science.

What are the tools for scientific observation?

Scientific observation is key to advancing research and gaining new insights. There are various tools scientists use to aid observation, measure data accurately, and draw evidence-based conclusions.

Binoculars utilize lenses to magnify images of distant objects. They allow clearer observation than the naked eye. Models with higher magnification power and wider objective lens diameters provide brighter, sharper images. Binoculars are portable, making them useful for outdoor observation.

Cameras capture images onto film or digital sensors. They provide permanent visual records and allow measurements. Specialty cameras like infrared cameras detect non-visible wavelengths. High-speed cameras capture rapid motion undetectable to the eye. Underwater cameras enable marine observation.

Microscopes

Microscopes use lenses to magnify tiny objects invisible to our eyes. Advanced microscopes like scanning electron microscopes and atomic force microscopes allow nanoscale observation. Microscopes reveal microscopic processes, enabling insights from cell biology to materials science.

Telescopes gather and focus light using curved mirrors or lenses. Allowing observation of astronomical objects like stars, galaxies, and exoplanets. Radio telescopes detect radio waves emitted from cosmic sources. Adaptive optics corrects for atmospheric distortion. Space telescopes like Hubble avoid atmospheric interference altogether.

Overall, technology expands scientific observation capabilities - from nanometers to lightyears. But fundamentals like careful technique and analytical thinking remain integral to maximizing what we can learn. The right tools help scientists push boundaries.

What are some examples of scientific instruments?

Scientific instruments are essential tools that allow researchers to make quantitative measurements, gather data, and test hypotheses. Here are some common examples across scientific disciplines:

Physics and Engineering

Accelerometer : Measures acceleration forces and motion. Used in fields like physics, engineering, transportation, and biomechanics.

Ammeter : Measures electric current in units of amperes. Used in physics labs and electronics.

Anemometer : Measures wind speed. Important for meteorology and weather stations.

Chemistry and Biology

Calorimeter : Measures heat flow and thermal energy. Critical lab equipment for chemistry experiments.

DNA Sequencer : Analyzes DNA molecules and determines their sequence. Core tool for genetics, molecular biology, forensics.

Spectrometer : Measures spectra of electromagnetic radiation. Used to examine chemicals, materials, and astronomical objects. Many sub-types like mass spectrometers.

Cross-Disciplinary Tools

Microscope : Magnifies tiny objects for analysis. Fundamental instrument across disciplines like biology, materials science, and nanotechnology.

Thermometer : Measures temperature using various techniques. Used ubiquitously in science and industry.

This list highlights just a small sample of the diverse array of scientific instruments that empower researchers to quantify and analyze natural phenomena through measurement. As science and technology continues advancing, so too do the instrumentation capabilities that drive innovation across scientific fields.

Who used scientific tools to study matter?

Chemists and physicists rely on scientific tools and controlled experiments to study the properties of matter. These tools allow them to make precise measurements and observations to further scientific understanding.

Key Scientific Tools Used

Microscopes - Allow chemists and physicists to visualize matter at the microscopic level, studying shape, structure, and interactions. Different types like optical, electron, and scanning probe microscopes have different capabilities.

Spectrometers - Used to analyze the interaction between matter and electromagnetic radiation. Help determine chemical composition, structure, and properties. Common types include mass spectrometers, NMR spectrometers, and optical spectrometers.

Chromatography instruments - Separate chemical mixtures and analyze composition. Help identify elements, isotopes, molecules, and more in a sample. Common forms include gas chromatography and liquid chromatography.

Calorimeters - Measure heat flows during chemical reactions and phase changes. Used to determine thermodynamic values like enthalpy, heat capacity, reaction kinetics, and more.

Labware - Various glassware, instruments, and tools used to handle chemicals, make measurements, run reactions, etc. Includes beakers, flasks, pipettes, burettes, stirring rods, and more standardized equipment.

Applications in Research

These tools are routinely used by chemists and physicists in lab research to:

Quantify and characterize chemical samples

Understand reaction mechanisms and kinetics

Determine physical properties like conductivity, viscosity, density

Analyze molecular structure and bonding

Study thermodynamic processes

Investigate material properties

Advance discovery and knowledge in chemistry and physics

Ongoing innovations in scientific instrumentation continue to push the boundaries of what can be measured, visualized, and understood about the fundamental nature of matter.

Comprehensive List of Scientific Tools in Research

Scientific tools are essential for conducting research across disciplines. From basic measurement devices to advanced instrumentation, these tools enable scientists to observe, analyze, quantify, and elucidate natural phenomena. This guide provides an exhaustive inventory of key scientific tools and their diverse applications.

Basic Tools of Science and Their Significance

Fundamental scientific tools like the metric system , thermometers , and microscopes establish standardized systems of measurement and magnification that enable quantitative analysis and comparisons between studies. These tools form the bedrock upon which more advanced technologies are built.

Other elementary tools include:

Clocks and chronometers for tracking time. Understanding durations and sequences is crucial for studying cause-and-effect relationships.

Gravity measurements quantify the gravitational force, shedding light on astronomical objects and cosmological questions.

Computers and software facilitate calculations, statistical analysis, data visualization, and complex modeling.

Overall, these basic tools supply the raw data for deriving scientific insights. Their standardization across disciplines also facilitates collaboration, reproducibility, and incremental improvements upon previous findings.

Advanced Instrumentation and Equipment

Cutting-edge tools provide finer observations, access previously hidden aspects of nature, and exponentially increase the possibilities for discovery.

Notable examples include:

Particle colliders accelerate atomic particles to nearly the speed of light, enabling the study of subatomic particles.

Radio telescopes collect long wavelength cosmic radio signals emitted by stars and galaxies.

Microscopes and tools for microscale and nanoscale research reveal microscopic biological processes and enable astonishing technological innovation.

These instruments continue expanding the frontiers of human knowledge about the universe and our place within it.

Laboratory and Field Equipment Essentials

In applied scientific research, an array of equipment collects, measures, and analyzes specimens and phenomena. Laboratory and field equipment includes:

Measurement tools like rulers, scales, and calipers for quantitative analysis.

Assay equipment such as spectrometers, sequencers, and chromatographs identify chemical components.

Electronic sensors such as accelerometers, thermocouples, and voltmeters capture environmental data.

Microfluidic devices manipulate tiny fluid volumes, enabling biochemical tests.

Laboratory information systems track samples, instrumentation, and data.

This equipment facilitates hands-on research central to chemistry, biology, materials science, and more.

Electronic Test Equipment and Measurement Devices

Sophisticated electronic tools verify circuit designs, troubleshoot electronics, test electromagnetic signals, and make precision measurements.

Oscilloscopes visualize electrical signal changes over time.

Signal generators produce test signals.

Logic analyzers capture digital signals between integrated circuits.

Network analyzers characterize electronic networks.

These and similar tools drive innovation in telecommunications, aviation, medicine, and beyond.

Emerging Tools in Biotechnology and Nanotechnology

Cutting-edge research leverages custom-engineered nanoscale tools and molecular biology techniques.

Bioelectronics integrate electronics with biological components, enabling electric sensing of living tissues.

Nanobots are tiny robots built from biological materials and electronic parts. Their small size allows interaction with human cells.

DNA sequencing and genetic engineering characterize and modify genetic code.

The capacity to directly manipulate matter on the molecular scale heralds a new scientific revolution. These tools show immense promise for applications from disease treatment to computing.

In summary, scientific tools span a vast spectrum - from elementary measurement standards to sophisticated large-scale instruments and nanoscale biotechnology. Together, this toolkit facilitates quantitative, reproducible research and drives discovery across every scientific field.

Scientific Writing and Communication Tools

Effective communication is key in research. This section will discuss tools and practices for scientific writing and publishing.

Scientific Writing Citation Style and Format

When writing a scientific paper, following proper citation style and formatting guidelines is essential for upholding academic integrity and enabling readers to verify claims. Key citation styles used in scientific writing include:

APA Style - Commonly used in psychology, education, and social sciences. Includes in-text citations and full references.

MLA Style - Used in humanities and liberal arts. Features brief in-text citations pointing to full references.

Chicago/Turabian Style - Flexible style allowing notes + bibliography or author-date citations.

ACS Style - Developed by American Chemical Society for chemistry fields. Uses numbered endnotes for citations.

AMA Style - Created for medical and health sciences literature by the American Medical Association.

Adhering to the guidelines of the selected citation style ensures proper attribution and facilitates literature review. Formatting elements like font, margins, headings, and file formatting also impact clarity. Using reference managers like Zotero, Mendeley, and EndNote streamlines citing sources.

Software for Writing Scientific Papers

Specialized software can enhance scientific writing:

Reference managers assist in organizing sources, annotating PDFs, and generating citations and bibliographies for manuscripts. Popular options are Zotero, Mendeley, EndNote, and Papers.

Note-taking tools like Evernote and OneNote help collect research data, thoughts, and citations while investigating a topic.

Outlining programs like Scapple allow flexible brainstorming and outlining to structure scientific papers.

Writing tools like Grammarly, Hemingway Editor and Ginger Software help improve readability.

LaTeX document preparation systems facilitate formatting and equations in technical documents.

Graphing and data visualization software like Matplotlib and DataWrapper provide publication-quality figures.

Language translation services like DeepL and Google Translate assist non-native writers.

Text-to-speech software reads papers aloud to identify awkward phrasings.

Bibliography generators like Cite This For Me easily create references.

Writing a Scientific Review and Manuscript

Scientific reviews analyze, evaluate, and synthesize the existing literature on a topic. Structuring reviews clearly using IMRaD format (Introduction, Methods, Results and Discussion) improves comprehension. State the motivation and scope in the introduction section. Detail the systematic review protocol in the methods section. Objectively present major findings in the results section. Analyze the discoveries and their implications in the discussion section.

When preparing a scientific manuscript for publication, carefully selecting an appropriate journal and adhering to its formatting guidelines are vital initial steps. The manuscript should succinctly present the central research question, investigative methods, key findings, and conclusions supported by the data while using discipline-specific language and conventions. Tables and figures should effectively illustrate results. The writing should promote reproducibility and uphold ethical standards. Ensuring completeness, consistency and accuracy through self-editing and peer-review heightens quality.

AI and Scientific Writing: Enhancing Productivity

AI scientific writing tools boost researcher productivity:

Automated literature discovery tools like Iris.ai and Semantic Scholar expedite finding relevant papers.

Smart literature review systems like Scinapse summarize related research.

Paraphrasing software like QuillBot streamlines presenting other authors' findings.

Writing assistance tools like INK provide contextual grammar and style corrections.

Manuscript screening systems like StatReviewer identify deficiencies.

Intelligent writing assistants like GPT-3 generate initial drafts and outlines.

Automated data visualization platforms like Datacopia produce high-quality graphics.

Translation services seamlessly translate manuscripts into other languages.

By automating tedious tasks, AI writing assistants allow researchers to focus their time on higher-value experimental design, analysis, and communication of novel findings.

The Science Writer's Handbook: A Resource Guide

For science writers, key resources include:

Style manuals like the ACS Style Guide detail discipline-specific publishing conventions.

Academic phrases guides, such as "Writing in the Biological Sciences", help instill proper scientific style.

Online courses on science writing from institutions like Stanford and MIT communicate best practices.

Science blogs demonstrate practical ways to make complex topics engaging for broader audiences.

Science writing organizations offer training programs, networking, and career development opportunities.

Communities like the National Association of Science Writers connect writers for idea exchange and support.

Academic journals showcase exemplars of impactful science communication across fields.

Following science writing guides increases methodicality. Immersing oneself in well-written scientific publications illuminates techniques for precision and purpose. Mentorship accelerates capability gains. Committing to continual upskilling empowers impactful science communication.

Integrating Technology in Research Writing

Technology plays an integral role in modern scientific research and writing. From streamlining documentation to enhancing language precision, various tools empower researchers to organize ideas, access literature, ensure accuracy, and effectively communicate findings. This section explores key technologies advancing research writing.

Academic Writing Software: Enhancing Efficiency

Specialized writing software boosts productivity for publishing scholars. Reference managers like Zotero, Mendeley, and EndNote help organize sources and properly format citations. LaTeX facilitates formatting and typesetting scientific papers with math equations. Programs like Scrivener provide outlines, notecards, and editing assistance when drafting complex documents. By automating tedious tasks, software lets researchers focus efforts on the quality of ideas.

AI-Powered Writing Assistants

AI writing assistants utilize natural language processing to support authoring scientific manuscripts. Applications like wisio suggest contextually relevant papers to cite, check for grammar issues, and help non-native speakers translate technical terminology. Some emerging systems even attempt generating passages or entire papers from keywords and outlines. Though unable to fully replace human creativity, AI promises to augment scientific writing.

Apps and Services for Scientific Writing

Specialized apps and services aid scientists through publication. Manuscript editor Overleaf facilitates real-time collaboration for writing and peer review. Reference scanner Sciwheel extracts scholarly metadata to expedite bibliography creation. Startups like SciNote offer integrated lab management platforms with modules for authoring, sharing, and discussing scientific documents. Such tools provide needed support for research groups to organize projects and draft high-quality manuscripts.

Scientific Writing Style and English Language Mastery

Technical scientific writing demands proper style and grammar to ensure precision. Resources like AMA Manual of Style provide editorial guidelines tailored for medical and scientific papers. For non-native speakers, services like Editage assist in copyediting and translation to convey complex ideas clearly in English. Mastering conventions and language usage is vital for scientific discourse.

Scientific Writing Classes and Textbooks

Aspiring research writers can develop skills through formal instruction. University courses teach fundamentals like formatting, peer review, and research ethics. Massive open online courses on platforms like Coursera offer introductory scientific writing training. Field-specific textbooks like Writing Papers in the Biological Sciences detail best practices for manuscript preparation. Education equips scholars to contribute high-quality studies.

With technological aids and dedicated training, scientists can effectively document and communicate discoveries to advance collective knowledge. The writing process itself furthers precision of thought, benefiting both authors and audiences.

Utilizing Scientific Tools in the Research Process

Scientific tools are essential for conducting rigorous research across disciplines. Selecting the right tools and properly utilizing them throughout the research process enables scientists to effectively test hypotheses, collect and analyze data, and draw meaningful conclusions.

Selecting the Right Tools for Your Research

When embarking on a research project, it's important to identify the scientific tools that align with your methodology and available resources. Consider aspects such as:

Research goals and hypotheses : Tools should enable testing theories and assumptions. For quantitative research, tools like surveys, sensors, and statistical software may be appropriate. For qualitative research, tools like interviews, focus groups, and coding software help collect and examine non-numerical data.

Data collection needs : Determine if you need tools for lab experiments, field observations, surveys, interviews, etc. Select instruments that can capture the required data types and volumes.

Analytical capabilities : The right tools should enable analyzing data to test hypotheses and derive insights. Statistical software, coding programs, and data visualization platforms help with analysis.

Budget and access : Evaluate costs, availability, and ease of access. Open source and free tools can provide value at lower resource overhead.

Skill requirements : Tools should match researchers' expertise levels. Assess the learning curve and training required before adoption.

Choosing the right scientific tools upfront ensures an efficient, streamlined research process.

The Scientific Method: A Toolkit for Discovery

The scientific method provides researchers a proven framework for discovery through iterative hypothesis testing. Aligning tools to each step enables rigor:

Asking questions : Tools like literature reviews and focus groups help define meaningful research questions.

Formulating hypotheses : Based on observations and available data, state an expected outcome to be tested.

Designing experiments : Controlled, repeatable tests are designed to prove or disprove the hypothesis. Tools facilitate data collection.

Analyzing data : Software, statistical tests, and other analytical tools process and interpret findings.

Drawing conclusions : Determine if the hypothesis was correct or incorrect to refine theories. Additional experiments may be needed.

Adopting this toolkit mindset ensures scientific principles anchor the research.

Data Collection Techniques and Tools

Effective data collection tools align with the research methodology. Common techniques include:

Lab experiments : Controlled tests using tools like microscopes, sensors, and measurement instruments.

Observational studies : Field work observations aided by cameras, voice recorders, tracking systems.

Surveys : Questionnaires using online survey software or paper-based data capture.

Interviews : Individual conversations using voice recorders and transcription software.

Focus groups : Group discussions via video conferencing tools and smart boards.

Literature reviews : Library databases, reference managers (Mendeley, EndNote), keyword harvesting tools.

Choose data collection tools that generate quality datasets to support robust analysis.

Analysis and Interpretation of Findings

Key analysis techniques and tools include:

Statistical analysis : Software like SAS, SPSS, R for testing hypotheses and deriving insights from numbers.

Data visualization : Platforms like Tableau, Power BI, and MATLAB to represent data graphically.

Qualitative analysis : Coding using software like NVivo and Atlas.ti to identify themes.

Benchmarking : Compare findings against existing research or standards data.

Modeling : Data-driven simulations to test different scenarios.

Using the right analytical tools helps accurately interpret findings to draw meaningful conclusions aligned to research questions.

Scientific Tools in Action: Case Studies and Examples

Real-world examples that showcase scientific tools in research:

Public health : Researchers used sensor devices and surveys to map air pollution levels across communities. Statistical software helped correlate exposure to health risks.

Climate science : Scientists rely on satellites, atmospheric sensors, and computer models to study complex climate change patterns over time. Data feeds improved predictive analytics.

Pharmaceutical R&D : High throughput screening using automated lab equipment enables rapid drug testing. Bioinformatics tools help identify promising compounds for further testing.

Gene editing : The CRISPR-Cas9 system offers precise, efficient genome editing using guide RNA and enzymes.

In practice, scientific tools amplify researchers' capabilities, enabling complex, large-scale projects.

Conclusion: Harnessing the Power of Scientific Tools in Research

Key takeaways on scientific tools in research.

Scientific tools encompass a wide range of instruments and technologies that empower researchers to make groundbreaking discoveries. As covered in this guide, key categories of tools include measurement devices, data collection equipment, analysis instruments, and information systems.

Proper selection and application of tools is critical. Researchers must choose instruments suited to their discipline and research goals. Precision, accuracy, reliability, and practicality should guide tool selection. Training on usage best practices is essential.

Best Practices for Future Research Endeavors

Looking ahead, researchers should:

Continually evaluate emerging tools and adopt those applicable to their work

Master tools currently employed and seek training on new acquisitions

Participate in collaborative networks to share techniques, findings and tool insights

Publish detailed documentation on tools utilized to enable reproducibility

Develop standardized protocols for tool usage within their field

Continual Learning and Adaptation

The scientific toolkit continues expanding. Researchers must actively educate themselves on technological advances through conferences, publications, vendors.

Willingness to master new tools and replace outdated techniques is critical for pushing boundaries. An adaptive mindset separates innovative teams from stagnant ones.

The Evolving Landscape of Scientific Research Tools

Horizons keep broadening across scientific instrumentation and methodology. Future tool landscapes will likely see:

Broader adoption of AI and automation

Miniaturization and portability

Increased computational power and data storage

Greater interdisciplinary tool usage

Wider accessibility and cost reductions

Specialized tools for precision interventions

Researchers who flexibly adapt to an evolving scientific toolkit will make the discoveries that define the decades ahead.

Antonio Carlos Filho @acfilho_dev

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Knowledge Base
Methodology

Research Methods | Definition, Types, Examples

Research methods are specific procedures for collecting and analysing data. Developing your research methods is an integral part of your research design . When planning your methods, there are two key decisions you will make.

First, decide how you will collect data . Your methods depend on what type of data you need to answer your research question :

Qualitative vs quantitative : Will your data take the form of words or numbers?
Primary vs secondary : Will you collect original data yourself, or will you use data that have already been collected by someone else?
Descriptive vs experimental : Will you take measurements of something as it is, or will you perform an experiment?

Second, decide how you will analyse the data .

For quantitative data, you can use statistical analysis methods to test relationships between variables.
For qualitative data, you can use methods such as thematic analysis to interpret patterns and meanings in the data.

Methods for collecting data, examples of data collection methods, methods for analysing data, examples of data analysis methods, frequently asked questions about methodology.

Data are the information that you collect for the purposes of answering your research question . The type of data you need depends on the aims of your research.

Qualitative vs quantitative data

Your choice of qualitative or quantitative data collection depends on the type of knowledge you want to develop.

For questions about ideas, experiences and meanings, or to study something that can’t be described numerically, collect qualitative data .

If you want to develop a more mechanistic understanding of a topic, or your research involves hypothesis testing , collect quantitative data .

You can also take a mixed methods approach, where you use both qualitative and quantitative research methods.

Primary vs secondary data

Primary data are any original information that you collect for the purposes of answering your research question (e.g. through surveys , observations and experiments ). Secondary data are information that has already been collected by other researchers (e.g. in a government census or previous scientific studies).

If you are exploring a novel research question, you’ll probably need to collect primary data. But if you want to synthesise existing knowledge, analyse historical trends, or identify patterns on a large scale, secondary data might be a better choice.

Descriptive vs experimental data

In descriptive research , you collect data about your study subject without intervening. The validity of your research will depend on your sampling method .

In experimental research , you systematically intervene in a process and measure the outcome. The validity of your research will depend on your experimental design .

To conduct an experiment, you need to be able to vary your independent variable , precisely measure your dependent variable, and control for confounding variables . If it’s practically and ethically possible, this method is the best choice for answering questions about cause and effect.

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Your data analysis methods will depend on the type of data you collect and how you prepare them for analysis.

Data can often be analysed both quantitatively and qualitatively. For example, survey responses could be analysed qualitatively by studying the meanings of responses or quantitatively by studying the frequencies of responses.

Qualitative analysis methods

Qualitative analysis is used to understand words, ideas, and experiences. You can use it to interpret data that were collected:

From open-ended survey and interview questions, literature reviews, case studies, and other sources that use text rather than numbers.
Using non-probability sampling methods .

Qualitative analysis tends to be quite flexible and relies on the researcher’s judgement, so you have to reflect carefully on your choices and assumptions.

Quantitative analysis methods

Quantitative analysis uses numbers and statistics to understand frequencies, averages and correlations (in descriptive studies) or cause-and-effect relationships (in experiments).

You can use quantitative analysis to interpret data that were collected either:

During an experiment.
Using probability sampling methods .

Because the data are collected and analysed in a statistically valid way, the results of quantitative analysis can be easily standardised and shared among researchers.

Quantitative research deals with numbers and statistics, while qualitative research deals with words and meanings.

Quantitative methods allow you to test a hypothesis by systematically collecting and analysing data, while qualitative methods allow you to explore ideas and experiences in depth.

In mixed methods research , you use both qualitative and quantitative data collection and analysis methods to answer your research question .

A sample is a subset of individuals from a larger population. Sampling means selecting the group that you will actually collect data from in your research.

For example, if you are researching the opinions of students in your university, you could survey a sample of 100 students.

Statistical sampling allows you to test a hypothesis about the characteristics of a population. There are various sampling methods you can use to ensure that your sample is representative of the population as a whole.

The research methods you use depend on the type of data you need to answer your research question .

If you want to measure something or test a hypothesis , use quantitative methods . If you want to explore ideas, thoughts, and meanings, use qualitative methods .
If you want to analyse a large amount of readily available data, use secondary data. If you want data specific to your purposes with control over how they are generated, collect primary data.
If you want to establish cause-and-effect relationships between variables , use experimental methods. If you want to understand the characteristics of a research subject, use descriptive methods.

Methodology refers to the overarching strategy and rationale of your research project . It involves studying the methods used in your field and the theories or principles behind them, in order to develop an approach that matches your objectives.

Methods are the specific tools and procedures you use to collect and analyse data (e.g. experiments, surveys , and statistical tests ).

In shorter scientific papers, where the aim is to report the findings of a specific study, you might simply describe what you did in a methods section .

In a longer or more complex research project, such as a thesis or dissertation , you will probably include a methodology section , where you explain your approach to answering the research questions and cite relevant sources to support your choice of methods.

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Essential research tools commonly used across disciplines

How do i choose a research tool, what are methods vs tools in research, future trends and innovations in research tools for m&e, what are research tools.

Research tools refer to a wide range of resources, methods, instruments, software, or techniques that researchers use to collect , analyze , interpret, and communicate data and information during the research process.

These tools are designed to facilitate and enhance various aspects of research, such as data collection , organization, analysis, visualization, collaboration, and documentation. Research tools can be both physical (e.g., laboratory equipment, survey instruments) and digital (e.g., software, online databases).

They are essential for conducting research effectively, efficiently, and rigorously across different disciplines and research domains. Examples of research tools include laboratory equipment, survey questionnaires, statistical software, data visualization tools, literature databases, collaboration platforms, and more.

The choice of research tools depends on the specific research objectives, methods, and requirements of the study.

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Research Tools in M&E

Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) is a crucial component of research and program evaluation . Here are some essential research tools commonly used in the field of M&E:

Logic Models and Results Frameworks: Logic models or results frameworks are visual tools that help clarify the theory of change and establish the logical connections between project activities, outputs, outcomes, and impacts. They provide a framework for designing M&E systems and identifying key indicators.
Key Performance Indicators (KPIs): KPIs are measurable indicators that track progress and performance toward project or program goals. They help monitor the effectiveness and efficiency of interventions. Examples of KPIs can include the number of beneficiaries reached, percentage of target achieved, or cost per output.
Surveys and Questionnaires: Surveys and questionnaires are useful tools for collecting quantitative data in M&E. They allow you to gather information from a large number of respondents and measure variables and indicators systematically. Online survey tools like SurveyMonkey or Google Forms can simplify data collection and analysis.
Interviews and Focus Groups: Qualitative data collection methods, such as interviews and focus groups, can provide in-depth insights into participants’ experiences, perceptions, and attitudes. These methods are particularly valuable for understanding the contextual factors and mechanisms underlying program outcomes.
Observations and Field Notes: Direct observations and field notes are often used to collect qualitative data in real-time. They help capture detailed information about program implementation, participant behaviors, and contextual factors that might not be evident through other methods.
Data Analysis Software: Statistical software packages like SPSS, Stata, or R are commonly used for quantitative data analysis in M&E. These tools enable researchers to clean, analyze, and interpret large datasets efficiently. Qualitative data analysis software such as NVivo or Atlas.ti can assist with organizing and analyzing qualitative data.
Data Visualization Tools: Tools like Excel, Tableau, or Power BI allow you to create visual representations of M&E data. Visualizations help communicate complex information and findings in a clear and compelling manner to stakeholders and decision-makers.
Geographic Information Systems (GIS): GIS tools like ArcGIS or QGIS enable researchers to analyze and visualize spatial data. They can help identify geographical patterns, hotspot analysis, and map program impact or reach.
Evaluation Management Systems: Evaluation management systems like DevResults or DHIS2 provide a centralized platform for managing M&E data, including data entry, analysis, reporting, and visualization. These systems streamline data management processes and facilitate collaboration among evaluation team members.
Theory-Based Evaluation Approaches: Theory-based evaluation approaches , such as the Theory of Change or Contribution Analysis, help guide the evaluation process by explicitly linking program activities to intended outcomes and impacts. These approaches provide a framework for designing evaluations and analyzing the causal mechanisms at work.

It’s important to note that the selection of research tools in M&E should align with the specific objectives, scope, and resources of the evaluation. Tailor the choice of tools to the needs of the evaluation design and ensure that they provide reliable and valid data to inform decision-making.

There are numerous research tools available to support various types of research, and the choice of tools depends on the specific field of study and research goals. However, here are some essential research tools commonly used across disciplines:

Library Databases: Online databases such as PubMed (biomedical literature), IEEE Xplore (engineering and computer science), JSTOR (humanities and social sciences), and Scopus (multidisciplinary) provide access to a vast collection of academic journals, articles, conference papers, and other scholarly resources.
Google Scholar : This search engine specifically focuses on scholarly literature. It allows you to find academic papers, theses, books, and conference proceedings. It’s a useful tool for accessing both open access and subscription-based scholarly content.
ResearchGate : ResearchGate is a social networking platform for researchers. It enables collaboration, networking, and access to research publications, preprints, and datasets. Researchers can also ask and answer questions related to their field of expertise.
Reference Management Software: Tools like Zotero, Mendeley, and EndNote help researchers organize and manage bibliographic references. They allow you to collect, store, annotate, and cite references, making the citation process more efficient and streamlined.
Data Analysis Tools: Depending on your research field, you may need specific data analysis tools. For statistical analysis, software such as SPSS, R, or Stata is commonly used. For qualitative research, NVivo and Atlas.ti assist with analyzing textual data.
Collaboration and Communication Tools: Tools like Slack, Microsoft Teams, or Google Workspace facilitate collaboration and communication among research teams. They provide features like file sharing, real-time editing, video conferencing, and project management.
Data Visualization Tools: Tools like Tableau, Plotly, or Excel can help create visual representations of data. These tools make it easier to present and interpret complex data sets, enabling researchers to communicate their findings effectively.
Online Survey Tools: Platforms like SurveyMonkey, Google Forms, or Qualtrics allow researchers to design and distribute online surveys. These tools simplify the data collection process and provide features for analyzing and visualizing survey responses.
Reference Search and Document Delivery: Tools like interlibrary loan systems, WorldCat, or services like Unpaywall can help you access research articles and resources that may not be available in your institution’s library.
Academic Social Networks: Platforms like Academia.edu or LinkedIn can help researchers showcase their work, connect with peers, and discover potential collaborators or mentors.

Remember that the choice of research tools may vary depending on your specific research field and requirements. It’s essential to explore and evaluate the available options to find the tools that best align with your research goals and needs.

Choosing the right research tool in Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) requires careful consideration of various factors.

Here’s a step-by-step process to help you choose a research tool for your M&E study:

Define Your Research Objectives: Clearly articulate the purpose and goals of your M&E study. Determine what specific information you need to collect, analyze, and communicate through the evaluation process.
Identify Data Needs: Identify the types of data you will be working with (quantitative, qualitative, spatial) and the specific indicators or variables you need to measure. Consider the level of detail, precision, and reliability required for your data.
Assess Available Resources: Evaluate the resources available to you, including budget, time constraints, technical expertise, and access to technology or specialized equipment. Consider the level of support you may need in terms of training, technical assistance, or collaboration.
Research Tool Options: Conduct research to explore the range of research tools available in M&E. Consult academic literature, practitioner resources, online forums, and professional networks to identify commonly used tools in your specific field or context.
Evaluate Tool Suitability: Evaluate each research tool option against your specific needs and constraints. Consider factors such as ease of use, data quality, scalability, compatibility with existing systems, and cost-effectiveness. Assess whether the tool aligns with the type of data you are working with and the analysis and reporting requirements of your M&E study.
Seek Recommendations and Feedback: Consult with experts, colleagues, or M&E professionals who have experience with the tools you are considering. Seek recommendations and feedback on their effectiveness, limitations, and user-friendliness. Their insights can provide valuable perspectives in selecting the most appropriate tool.
Trial and Testing: If feasible, conduct small-scale trials or pilot tests with a subset of your data or research participants. This allows you to assess the usability and functionality of the tool, identify any potential issues, and gain practical experience in its implementation.
Consider Integration and Compatibility: Consider the compatibility of the research tool with other tools or systems you may be using in your M&E process. Evaluate how well the tool integrates with existing data management, analysis, or reporting systems to ensure smooth workflows and data interoperability.
Training and Support: Assess the availability of training resources, user guides, tutorials, and technical support for the research tool. Consider the level of training required for you and your team to effectively utilize the tool and ensure proper implementation.
Make an Informed Decision: Based on the evaluation and assessment of the above factors, make an informed decision on the research tool that best meets your M&E objectives, data requirements, available resources, and user needs.

Remember, the choice of a research tool should be driven by the specific context, research objectives, and resources available to you. It’s important to consider trade-offs and select a tool that maximizes the quality and efficiency of your M&E study.

In the context of Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E), methods and tools have similar meanings as in general research, but they are applied specifically to the M&E process :

M&E Methods: M&E methods refer to the systematic approaches and frameworks used to assess, measure, and evaluate the effectiveness, efficiency, and impact of programs, projects, or interventions. These methods provide a structured and rigorous approach to collecting and analyzing data to inform decision-making. M&E methods may include baseline studies, surveys, interviews, focus groups, case studies, statistical analysis, impact evaluation designs, and more. They guide the overall evaluation design and determine the data collection and analysis techniques used in M&E.
M&E Tools: M&E tools are the specific resources, instruments, software, or techniques used within the M&E methods to support the data collection, management, analysis, visualization, and reporting processes. These tools provide practical means to implement M&E methods effectively. Examples of M&E tools include data collection templates, survey questionnaires, data analysis software (e.g., SPSS, Stata, R), visualization tools (e.g., Excel, Tableau), logic models, results frameworks, evaluation management systems (e.g., DevResults, DHIS2), and more. M&E tools assist in streamlining and enhancing the efficiency and accuracy of the M&E process.

In M&E, methods establish the overall approach to evaluating and assessing programs or interventions, while tools are the specific resources or techniques used within those methods to facilitate data collection, analysis, and reporting. M&E methods guide the evaluation design and data analysis, while M&E tools provide the means to execute those methods effectively. Both methods and tools are crucial in conducting rigorous and effective M&E, ensuring that data is collected, analyzed, and interpreted in a systematic and reliable manner to inform decision-making and program improvement.

As the field of Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) continues to evolve, researchers and practitioners are exploring new trends and innovations in research tools to enhance the effectiveness and efficiency of evaluations. Here are some emerging trends and future directions in research tools for M&E:

Integrated Data Platforms: With the increasing volume and complexity of data generated in M&E, there is a growing need for integrated data platforms that streamline data collection, management, analysis, and reporting processes. These platforms bring together various tools and functionalities into a unified system, allowing for seamless data flow and collaboration among stakeholders.
Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning: AI and machine learning technologies hold great potential for automating data analysis, identifying patterns and trends, and generating insights from large datasets in M&E. By leveraging AI algorithms, researchers can gain deeper insights into program performance, identify predictive indicators, and make data-driven decisions more efficiently.
Mobile Data Collection Tools: Mobile data collection tools are becoming increasingly popular for conducting surveys, collecting field data, and monitoring program activities in real-time. These tools enable researchers to capture data using smartphones or tablets, allowing for faster data collection, improved data quality, and enhanced accessibility in remote or resource-constrained settings.
Blockchain Technology: Blockchain technology offers opportunities for enhancing the transparency, security, and integrity of M&E data. By leveraging blockchain-based platforms, researchers can ensure the immutability and traceability of data, reduce the risk of data manipulation or fraud, and enhance trust and accountability in the evaluation process.
Open Data and Data Sharing Platforms: There is a growing movement towards open data and data sharing in M&E, driven by the desire for transparency, collaboration, and knowledge exchange. Open data platforms facilitate the sharing of evaluation data, findings, and resources among stakeholders, enabling greater reproducibility, accountability, and innovation in the field.
Citizen Science and Participatory Approaches: Citizen science and participatory approaches involve engaging community members and stakeholders in the research process, from data collection to interpretation and decision-making. By involving local communities in M&E efforts, researchers can gather diverse perspectives, foster ownership, and ensure the relevance and sustainability of evaluation initiatives.
Ethical Considerations and Data Privacy: With the increasing use of digital technologies and data-driven approaches in M&E, there is a growing awareness of the need to address ethical considerations and data privacy concerns. Researchers must prioritize ethical principles such as informed consent, data confidentiality, and protection of vulnerable populations to ensure responsible and ethical conduct of evaluations.

By embracing these emerging trends and innovations in research tools, M&E practitioners can enhance the quality, rigor, and impact of evaluations, ultimately contributing to more effective and evidence-based decision-making in development and humanitarian efforts.

Research tools play a crucial role in the field of Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) by supporting data collection, analysis, visualization, and reporting processes . The choice of research tools should be guided by the specific objectives, context, and data requirements of the evaluation.

Essential research tools in M&E include data collection instruments (surveys, interviews, observation checklists), data analysis software (SPSS, Stata, R), data visualization tools (Excel, Tableau), logic models, KPI frameworks, GIS software, evaluation management systems, and collaboration platforms.

By selecting and utilizing appropriate research tools, M&E practitioners can enhance the efficiency , accuracy, and effectiveness of their evaluations, leading to evidence-based decision-making and program improvement.

It is important to evaluate and choose tools that align with the evaluation design, data type, available resources, and technical expertise to ensure rigorous and meaningful evaluation outcomes in M&E.

Nguen B. Riak

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Introduction to implementation research

Introduction.

The audience for this toolkit
Relevance of IR for improved access and delivery of interventions
The purpose of this Toolkit
Research teams
Self-assessment and reflection activities

Understanding implementation research

The need for IR
Outcomes of IR
Characteristics of IR
How IR works
Community engagement in IR
Ethical challenges in IR

Developing an Implementation Research Proposal

The team and the research challenge
Structure of an IR proposal
Components of an IR proposal
Research Design
Project plan
Impact and measuring project results
Supplements
Funding an IR project
Common problems with applications

Research methods and data management

Study design for IR projects
Selecting research methods
Mixed methods

Research tools and techniques

Data collection
Data management
Data analysis

IR-Planning and Conducting IR

Project planning
Project monitoring plan
Developing a logic model
Developing monitoring questions
Data use and reporting
Project execution
Ethical issues
Good practices in planning and conducting IR

IR-related communications and advocacy

Productive Dialogue
Knowledge Translation
Research Evidence: Barriers and Facilitators to Uptake
Policy Advocacy and Strategic Communications
Data Presentation and Visualization
Developing a Communication Strategy
Steps in Developing a Communication Strategy
Communication materials and Platforms

Integrating implementation research into health systems

Start up, mapping and convening
Productive dialogue
Ownership, trust, responsibilities and roles
Setting priorities, defining problems and research questions
Capacity strengthening
Uptake of findings
Documentation
Using the WHO Health Systems Framework in IR
Principles of sustainability

Developing implementation research projects with an intersectional gender lens

Integrating an intersectional gender lens in IR
Proposal development with an intersectional gender lens
Execution of an IR project with an intersectional gender lens
Good practices in IR projects with an intersectional gender perspective

Quantitative research tools

Qualitative research techniques and tools.

Qualitative research is generally used to explore values, attitudes, opinions, feelings and behaviours of individuals and understand how these affect the individuals in question. Researchers using qualitative methods are concerned with individuals’ perceptions of specific topics, issues or situations and the meanings they assign to their lives. This kind of research is important for generating theory, developing policy, improving educational practice, justifying change for a particular practice, and illuminating social issues. It may also be used to explain the results of a previous quantitative study or to prepare for the development of a quantitative study.

If your research team decides to use qualitative methods in your study, you will need to describe how qualitative methods will provide the information to help you address your research objectives and research question(s). For example, qualitative research may be appropriate because you intend to explore the values and behaviours of individuals in the study area in relation to a public health intervention, and to understand how these affect the phenomena in question. For example, why do some households have bed nets but do not use them? Or, why do individuals in a study area decline services from a specialized antenatal clinic? Qualitative methods can provide context, a deeper understanding of stakeholders’ needs and participants’ perspectives.

When collecting qualitative data, it is preferable to use more than one data collection method. Obtaining information on the same phenomena in a variety of ways allows the researcher to triangulate the data, adding rigour to the research. By nature, qualitative data collection is emergent and the design is intentionally flexible to enable the researcher investigate themes (findings) in more detail as they emerge.

Unlike quantitative data collection, qualitative data collection can be more flexible allowing the research to incorporate emerging themes in the ongoing data collection. This allows the researcher to test and validate findings as they collect the data. For example, perhaps in one in-depth interview, the researcher learns that people do not attend the lymphatic filariasis mass drug administration because they use traditional medicines and therefore feel that they are already under treatment. The researcher may then add a related question to subsequent in-depth interviews to see how prevalent this phenomenon is in the study population.

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Home » Research Methods – Types, Examples and Guide

Research Methods – Types, Examples and Guide

Table of Contents

Research Methods

Definition:

Research Methods refer to the techniques, procedures, and processes used by researchers to collect , analyze, and interpret data in order to answer research questions or test hypotheses. The methods used in research can vary depending on the research questions, the type of data that is being collected, and the research design.

Types of Research Methods

Types of Research Methods are as follows:

Qualitative research Method

Qualitative research methods are used to collect and analyze non-numerical data. This type of research is useful when the objective is to explore the meaning of phenomena, understand the experiences of individuals, or gain insights into complex social processes. Qualitative research methods include interviews, focus groups, ethnography, and content analysis.

Quantitative Research Method

Quantitative research methods are used to collect and analyze numerical data. This type of research is useful when the objective is to test a hypothesis, determine cause-and-effect relationships, and measure the prevalence of certain phenomena. Quantitative research methods include surveys, experiments, and secondary data analysis.

Mixed Method Research

Mixed Method Research refers to the combination of both qualitative and quantitative research methods in a single study. This approach aims to overcome the limitations of each individual method and to provide a more comprehensive understanding of the research topic. This approach allows researchers to gather both quantitative data, which is often used to test hypotheses and make generalizations about a population, and qualitative data, which provides a more in-depth understanding of the experiences and perspectives of individuals.

Key Differences Between Research Methods

The following Table shows the key differences between Quantitative, Qualitative and Mixed Research Methods

Examples of Research Methods

Examples of Research Methods are as follows:

Qualitative Research Example:

A researcher wants to study the experience of cancer patients during their treatment. They conduct in-depth interviews with patients to gather data on their emotional state, coping mechanisms, and support systems.

Quantitative Research Example:

A company wants to determine the effectiveness of a new advertisement campaign. They survey a large group of people, asking them to rate their awareness of the product and their likelihood of purchasing it.

Mixed Research Example:

A university wants to evaluate the effectiveness of a new teaching method in improving student performance. They collect both quantitative data (such as test scores) and qualitative data (such as feedback from students and teachers) to get a complete picture of the impact of the new method.

Applications of Research Methods

Research methods are used in various fields to investigate, analyze, and answer research questions. Here are some examples of how research methods are applied in different fields:

Psychology : Research methods are widely used in psychology to study human behavior, emotions, and mental processes. For example, researchers may use experiments, surveys, and observational studies to understand how people behave in different situations, how they respond to different stimuli, and how their brains process information.
Sociology : Sociologists use research methods to study social phenomena, such as social inequality, social change, and social relationships. Researchers may use surveys, interviews, and observational studies to collect data on social attitudes, beliefs, and behaviors.
Medicine : Research methods are essential in medical research to study diseases, test new treatments, and evaluate their effectiveness. Researchers may use clinical trials, case studies, and laboratory experiments to collect data on the efficacy and safety of different medical treatments.
Education : Research methods are used in education to understand how students learn, how teachers teach, and how educational policies affect student outcomes. Researchers may use surveys, experiments, and observational studies to collect data on student performance, teacher effectiveness, and educational programs.
Business : Research methods are used in business to understand consumer behavior, market trends, and business strategies. Researchers may use surveys, focus groups, and observational studies to collect data on consumer preferences, market trends, and industry competition.
Environmental science : Research methods are used in environmental science to study the natural world and its ecosystems. Researchers may use field studies, laboratory experiments, and observational studies to collect data on environmental factors, such as air and water quality, and the impact of human activities on the environment.
Political science : Research methods are used in political science to study political systems, institutions, and behavior. Researchers may use surveys, experiments, and observational studies to collect data on political attitudes, voting behavior, and the impact of policies on society.

Purpose of Research Methods

Research methods serve several purposes, including:

Identify research problems: Research methods are used to identify research problems or questions that need to be addressed through empirical investigation.
Develop hypotheses: Research methods help researchers develop hypotheses, which are tentative explanations for the observed phenomenon or relationship.
Collect data: Research methods enable researchers to collect data in a systematic and objective way, which is necessary to test hypotheses and draw meaningful conclusions.
Analyze data: Research methods provide tools and techniques for analyzing data, such as statistical analysis, content analysis, and discourse analysis.
Test hypotheses: Research methods allow researchers to test hypotheses by examining the relationships between variables in a systematic and controlled manner.
Draw conclusions : Research methods facilitate the drawing of conclusions based on empirical evidence and help researchers make generalizations about a population based on their sample data.
Enhance understanding: Research methods contribute to the development of knowledge and enhance our understanding of various phenomena and relationships, which can inform policy, practice, and theory.

When to Use Research Methods

Research methods are used when you need to gather information or data to answer a question or to gain insights into a particular phenomenon.

Here are some situations when research methods may be appropriate:

To investigate a problem : Research methods can be used to investigate a problem or a research question in a particular field. This can help in identifying the root cause of the problem and developing solutions.
To gather data: Research methods can be used to collect data on a particular subject. This can be done through surveys, interviews, observations, experiments, and more.
To evaluate programs : Research methods can be used to evaluate the effectiveness of a program, intervention, or policy. This can help in determining whether the program is meeting its goals and objectives.
To explore new areas : Research methods can be used to explore new areas of inquiry or to test new hypotheses. This can help in advancing knowledge in a particular field.
To make informed decisions : Research methods can be used to gather information and data to support informed decision-making. This can be useful in various fields such as healthcare, business, and education.

Advantages of Research Methods

Research methods provide several advantages, including:

Objectivity : Research methods enable researchers to gather data in a systematic and objective manner, minimizing personal biases and subjectivity. This leads to more reliable and valid results.
Replicability : A key advantage of research methods is that they allow for replication of studies by other researchers. This helps to confirm the validity of the findings and ensures that the results are not specific to the particular research team.
Generalizability : Research methods enable researchers to gather data from a representative sample of the population, allowing for generalizability of the findings to a larger population. This increases the external validity of the research.
Precision : Research methods enable researchers to gather data using standardized procedures, ensuring that the data is accurate and precise. This allows researchers to make accurate predictions and draw meaningful conclusions.
Efficiency : Research methods enable researchers to gather data efficiently, saving time and resources. This is especially important when studying large populations or complex phenomena.
Innovation : Research methods enable researchers to develop new techniques and tools for data collection and analysis, leading to innovation and advancement in the field.

About the author

Muhammad Hassan

Researcher, Academic Writer, Web developer

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7 Data Collection Methods & Tools For Research

Data Collection

The underlying need for Data collection is to capture quality evidence that seeks to answer all the questions that have been posed. Through data collection businesses or management can deduce quality information that is a prerequisite for making informed decisions.

To improve the quality of information, it is expedient that data is collected so that you can draw inferences and make informed decisions on what is considered factual.

At the end of this article, you would understand why picking the best data collection method is necessary for achieving your set objective.

Sign up on Formplus Builder to create your preferred online surveys or questionnaire for data collection. You don’t need to be tech-savvy! Start creating quality questionnaires with Formplus.

What is Data Collection?

Data collection is a methodical process of gathering and analyzing specific information to proffer solutions to relevant questions and evaluate the results. It focuses on finding out all there is to a particular subject matter. Data is collected to be further subjected to hypothesis testing which seeks to explain a phenomenon.

Hypothesis testing eliminates assumptions while making a proposition from the basis of reason.

For collectors of data, there is a range of outcomes for which the data is collected. But the key purpose for which data is collected is to put a researcher in a vantage position to make predictions about future probabilities and trends.

The core forms in which data can be collected are primary and secondary data. While the former is collected by a researcher through first-hand sources, the latter is collected by an individual other than the user.

Types of Data Collection

Before broaching the subject of the various types of data collection. It is pertinent to note that data collection in itself falls under two broad categories; Primary data collection and secondary data collection.

Primary Data Collection

Primary data collection by definition is the gathering of raw data collected at the source. It is a process of collecting the original data collected by a researcher for a specific research purpose. It could be further analyzed into two segments; qualitative research and quantitative data collection methods.

Qualitative Research Method

The qualitative research methods of data collection do not involve the collection of data that involves numbers or a need to be deduced through a mathematical calculation, rather it is based on the non-quantifiable elements like the feeling or emotion of the researcher. An example of such a method is an open-ended questionnaire.

Quantitative Method

Quantitative methods are presented in numbers and require a mathematical calculation to deduce. An example would be the use of a questionnaire with close-ended questions to arrive at figures to be calculated Mathematically. Also, methods of correlation and regression, mean, mode and median.

Read Also: 15 Reasons to Choose Quantitative over Qualitative Research

Secondary Data Collection

Secondary data collection, on the other hand, is referred to as the gathering of second-hand data collected by an individual who is not the original user. It is the process of collecting data that is already existing, be it already published books, journals, and/or online portals. In terms of ease, it is much less expensive and easier to collect.

Your choice between Primary data collection and secondary data collection depends on the nature, scope, and area of your research as well as its aims and objectives.

Importance of Data Collection

There are a bunch of underlying reasons for collecting data, especially for a researcher. Walking you through them, here are a few reasons;

Integrity of the Research

A key reason for collecting data, be it through quantitative or qualitative methods is to ensure that the integrity of the research question is indeed maintained.

Reduce the likelihood of errors

The correct use of appropriate data collection of methods reduces the likelihood of errors consistent with the results.

Decision Making

To minimize the risk of errors in decision-making, it is important that accurate data is collected so that the researcher doesn’t make uninformed decisions.

Save Cost and Time

Data collection saves the researcher time and funds that would otherwise be misspent without a deeper understanding of the topic or subject matter.

To support a need for a new idea, change, and/or innovation

To prove the need for a change in the norm or the introduction of new information that will be widely accepted, it is important to collect data as evidence to support these claims.

What is a Data Collection Tool?

Data collection tools refer to the devices/instruments used to collect data, such as a paper questionnaire or computer-assisted interviewing system. Case Studies, Checklists, Interviews, Observation sometimes, and Surveys or Questionnaires are all tools used to collect data.

It is important to decide on the tools for data collection because research is carried out in different ways and for different purposes. The objective behind data collection is to capture quality evidence that allows analysis to lead to the formulation of convincing and credible answers to the posed questions.

The objective behind data collection is to capture quality evidence that allows analysis to lead to the formulation of convincing and credible answers to the questions that have been posed – Click to Tweet

The Formplus online data collection tool is perfect for gathering primary data, i.e. raw data collected from the source. You can easily get data with at least three data collection methods with our online and offline data-gathering tool. I.e Online Questionnaires , Focus Groups, and Reporting.

In our previous articles, we’ve explained why quantitative research methods are more effective than qualitative methods . However, with the Formplus data collection tool, you can gather all types of primary data for academic, opinion or product research.

Top Data Collection Methods and Tools for Academic, Opinion, or Product Research

The following are the top 7 data collection methods for Academic, Opinion-based, or product research. Also discussed in detail are the nature, pros, and cons of each one. At the end of this segment, you will be best informed about which method best suits your research.

An interview is a face-to-face conversation between two individuals with the sole purpose of collecting relevant information to satisfy a research purpose. Interviews are of different types namely; Structured, Semi-structured , and unstructured with each having a slight variation from the other.

Use this interview consent form template to let an interviewee give you consent to use data gotten from your interviews for investigative research purposes.

Structured Interviews – Simply put, it is a verbally administered questionnaire. In terms of depth, it is surface level and is usually completed within a short period. For speed and efficiency, it is highly recommendable, but it lacks depth.
Semi-structured Interviews – In this method, there subsist several key questions which cover the scope of the areas to be explored. It allows a little more leeway for the researcher to explore the subject matter.
Unstructured Interviews – It is an in-depth interview that allows the researcher to collect a wide range of information with a purpose. An advantage of this method is the freedom it gives a researcher to combine structure with flexibility even though it is more time-consuming.
In-depth information
Freedom of flexibility
Accurate data.
Time-consuming
Expensive to collect.

What are The Best Data Collection Tools for Interviews?

For collecting data through interviews, here are a few tools you can use to easily collect data.

Audio Recorder

An audio recorder is used for recording sound on disc, tape, or film. Audio information can meet the needs of a wide range of people, as well as provide alternatives to print data collection tools.

Digital Camera

An advantage of a digital camera is that it can be used for transmitting those images to a monitor screen when the need arises.

A camcorder is used for collecting data through interviews. It provides a combination of both an audio recorder and a video camera. The data provided is qualitative in nature and allows the respondents to answer questions asked exhaustively. If you need to collect sensitive information during an interview, a camcorder might not work for you as you would need to maintain your subject’s privacy.

Want to conduct an interview for qualitative data research or a special report? Use this online interview consent form template to allow the interviewee to give their consent before you use the interview data for research or report. With premium features like e-signature, upload fields, form security, etc., Formplus Builder is the perfect tool to create your preferred online consent forms without coding experience.

QUESTIONNAIRES

This is the process of collecting data through an instrument consisting of a series of questions and prompts to receive a response from the individuals it is administered to. Questionnaires are designed to collect data from a group.

For clarity, it is important to note that a questionnaire isn’t a survey, rather it forms a part of it. A survey is a process of data gathering involving a variety of data collection methods, including a questionnaire.

On a questionnaire, there are three kinds of questions used. They are; fixed-alternative, scale, and open-ended. With each of the questions tailored to the nature and scope of the research.

Can be administered in large numbers and is cost-effective.
It can be used to compare and contrast previous research to measure change.
Easy to visualize and analyze.
Questionnaires offer actionable data.
Respondent identity is protected.
Questionnaires can cover all areas of a topic.
Relatively inexpensive.
Answers may be dishonest or the respondents lose interest midway.
Questionnaires can’t produce qualitative data.
Questions might be left unanswered.
Respondents may have a hidden agenda.
Not all questions can be analyzed easily.

What are the Best Data Collection Tools for Questionnaires?

Formplus Online Questionnaire

Formplus lets you create powerful forms to help you collect the information you need. Formplus helps you create the online forms that you like. The Formplus online questionnaire form template to get actionable trends and measurable responses. Conduct research, optimize knowledge of your brand or just get to know an audience with this form template. The form template is fast, free and fully customizable.

Paper Questionnaire

A paper questionnaire is a data collection tool consisting of a series of questions and/or prompts for the purpose of gathering information from respondents. Mostly designed for statistical analysis of the responses, they can also be used as a form of data collection.

By definition, data reporting is the process of gathering and submitting data to be further subjected to analysis. The key aspect of data reporting is reporting accurate data because inaccurate data reporting leads to uninformed decision-making.

Informed decision-making.
Easily accessible.
Self-reported answers may be exaggerated.
The results may be affected by bias.
Respondents may be too shy to give out all the details.
Inaccurate reports will lead to uninformed decisions.

What are the Best Data Collection Tools for Reporting?

Reporting tools enable you to extract and present data in charts, tables, and other visualizations so users can find useful information. You could source data for reporting from Non-Governmental Organizations (NGO) reports, newspapers, website articles, and hospital records.

NGO Reports

Contained in NGO report is an in-depth and comprehensive report on the activities carried out by the NGO, covering areas such as business and human rights. The information contained in these reports is research-specific and forms an acceptable academic base for collecting data. NGOs often focus on development projects which are organized to promote particular causes.

Newspaper data are relatively easy to collect and are sometimes the only continuously available source of event data. Even though there is a problem of bias in newspaper data, it is still a valid tool in collecting data for Reporting.

Website Articles

Gathering and using data contained in website articles is also another tool for data collection. Collecting data from web articles is a quicker and less expensive data collection Two major disadvantages of using this data reporting method are biases inherent in the data collection process and possible security/confidentiality concerns.

Hospital Care records

Health care involves a diverse set of public and private data collection systems, including health surveys, administrative enrollment and billing records, and medical records, used by various entities, including hospitals, CHCs, physicians, and health plans. The data provided is clear, unbiased and accurate, but must be obtained under legal means as medical data is kept with the strictest regulations.

EXISTING DATA

This is the introduction of new investigative questions in addition to/other than the ones originally used when the data was initially gathered. It involves adding measurement to a study or research. An example would be sourcing data from an archive.

Accuracy is very high.
Easily accessible information.
Problems with evaluation.
Difficulty in understanding.

What are the Best Data Collection Tools for Existing Data?

The concept of Existing data means that data is collected from existing sources to investigate research questions other than those for which the data were originally gathered. Tools to collect existing data include:

Research Journals – Unlike newspapers and magazines, research journals are intended for an academic or technical audience, not general readers. A journal is a scholarly publication containing articles written by researchers, professors, and other experts.
Surveys – A survey is a data collection tool for gathering information from a sample population, with the intention of generalizing the results to a larger population. Surveys have a variety of purposes and can be carried out in many ways depending on the objectives to be achieved.
OBSERVATION

This is a data collection method by which information on a phenomenon is gathered through observation. The nature of the observation could be accomplished either as a complete observer, an observer as a participant, a participant as an observer, or as a complete participant. This method is a key base for formulating a hypothesis.

Easy to administer.
There subsists a greater accuracy with results.
It is a universally accepted practice.
It diffuses the situation of the unwillingness of respondents to administer a report.
It is appropriate for certain situations.
Some phenomena aren’t open to observation.
It cannot be relied upon.
Bias may arise.
It is expensive to administer.
Its validity cannot be predicted accurately.

What are the Best Data Collection Tools for Observation?

Observation involves the active acquisition of information from a primary source. Observation can also involve the perception and recording of data via the use of scientific instruments. The best tools for Observation are:

Checklists – state-specific criteria, that allow users to gather information and make judgments about what they should know in relation to the outcomes. They offer systematic ways of collecting data about specific behaviors, knowledge, and skills.
Direct observation – This is an observational study method of collecting evaluative information. The evaluator watches the subject in his or her usual environment without altering that environment.

FOCUS GROUPS

The opposite of quantitative research which involves numerical-based data, this data collection method focuses more on qualitative research. It falls under the primary category of data based on the feelings and opinions of the respondents. This research involves asking open-ended questions to a group of individuals usually ranging from 6-10 people, to provide feedback.

Information obtained is usually very detailed.
Cost-effective when compared to one-on-one interviews.
It reflects speed and efficiency in the supply of results.
Lacking depth in covering the nitty-gritty of a subject matter.
Bias might still be evident.
Requires interviewer training
The researcher has very little control over the outcome.
A few vocal voices can drown out the rest.
Difficulty in assembling an all-inclusive group.

What are the Best Data Collection Tools for Focus Groups?

A focus group is a data collection method that is tightly facilitated and structured around a set of questions. The purpose of the meeting is to extract from the participants’ detailed responses to these questions. The best tools for tackling Focus groups are:

Two-Way – One group watches another group answer the questions posed by the moderator. After listening to what the other group has to offer, the group that listens is able to facilitate more discussion and could potentially draw different conclusions .
Dueling-Moderator – There are two moderators who play the devil’s advocate. The main positive of the dueling-moderator focus group is to facilitate new ideas by introducing new ways of thinking and varying viewpoints.
COMBINATION RESEARCH

This method of data collection encompasses the use of innovative methods to enhance participation in both individuals and groups. Also under the primary category, it is a combination of Interviews and Focus Groups while collecting qualitative data . This method is key when addressing sensitive subjects.

Encourage participants to give responses.
It stimulates a deeper connection between participants.
The relative anonymity of respondents increases participation.
It improves the richness of the data collected.
It costs the most out of all the top 7.
It’s the most time-consuming.

What are the Best Data Collection Tools for Combination Research?

The Combination Research method involves two or more data collection methods, for instance, interviews as well as questionnaires or a combination of semi-structured telephone interviews and focus groups. The best tools for combination research are:

Online Survey – The two tools combined here are online interviews and the use of questionnaires. This is a questionnaire that the target audience can complete over the Internet. It is timely, effective, and efficient. Especially since the data to be collected is quantitative in nature.
Dual-Moderator – The two tools combined here are focus groups and structured questionnaires. The structured questionnaires give a direction as to where the research is headed while two moderators take charge of the proceedings. Whilst one ensures the focus group session progresses smoothly, the other makes sure that the topics in question are all covered. Dual-moderator focus groups typically result in a more productive session and essentially lead to an optimum collection of data.

Why Formplus is the Best Data Collection Tool

Vast Options for Form Customization

With Formplus, you can create your unique survey form. With options to change themes, font color, font, font type, layout, width, and more, you can create an attractive survey form. The builder also gives you as many features as possible to choose from and you do not need to be a graphic designer to create a form.

Extensive Analytics

Form Analytics, a feature in formplus helps you view the number of respondents, unique visits, total visits, abandonment rate, and average time spent before submission. This tool eliminates the need for a manual calculation of the received data and/or responses as well as the conversion rate for your poll.

Embed Survey Form on Your Website

Copy the link to your form and embed it as an iframe which will automatically load as your website loads, or as a popup that opens once the respondent clicks on the link. Embed the link on your Twitter page to give instant access to your followers.

Geolocation Support

The geolocation feature on Formplus lets you ascertain where individual responses are coming. It utilises Google Maps to pinpoint the longitude and latitude of the respondent, to the nearest accuracy, along with the responses.

Multi-Select feature

This feature helps to conserve horizontal space as it allows you to put multiple options in one field. This translates to including more information on the survey form.

Read Also: 10 Reasons to Use Formplus for Online Data Collection

How to Use Formplus to collect online data in 7 simple steps.

Register or sign up on Formplus builder : Start creating your preferred questionnaire or survey by signing up with either your Google, Facebook, or Email account.

Formplus gives you a free plan with basic features you can use to collect online data. Pricing plans with vast features starts at $20 monthly, with reasonable discounts for Education and Non-Profit Organizations.

2. Input your survey title and use the form builder choice options to start creating your surveys.

Use the choice option fields like single select, multiple select, checkbox, radio, and image choices to create your preferred multi-choice surveys online.

3. Do you want customers to rate any of your products or services delivery?

Use the rating to allow survey respondents rate your products or services. This is an ideal quantitative research method of collecting data.

4. Beautify your online questionnaire with Formplus Customisation features.

Change the theme color
Add your brand’s logo and image to the forms
Change the form width and layout
Edit the submission button if you want
Change text font color and sizes
Do you have already made custom CSS to beautify your questionnaire? If yes, just copy and paste it to the CSS option.

5. Edit your survey questionnaire settings for your specific needs

Choose where you choose to store your files and responses. Select a submission deadline, choose a timezone, limit respondents’ responses, enable Captcha to prevent spam, and collect location data of customers.

Set an introductory message to respondents before they begin the survey, toggle the “start button” post final submission message or redirect respondents to another page when they submit their questionnaires.

Change the Email Notifications inventory and initiate an autoresponder message to all your survey questionnaire respondents. You can also transfer your forms to other users who can become form administrators.

6. Share links to your survey questionnaire page with customers.

There’s an option to copy and share the link as “Popup” or “Embed code” The data collection tool automatically creates a QR Code for Survey Questionnaire which you can download and share as appropriate.

Congratulations if you’ve made it to this stage. You can start sharing the link to your survey questionnaire with your customers.

7. View your Responses to the Survey Questionnaire

Toggle with the presentation of your summary from the options. Whether as a single, table or cards.

8. Allow Formplus Analytics to interpret your Survey Questionnaire Data

With online form builder analytics, a business can determine;

The number of times the survey questionnaire was filled
The number of customers reached
Abandonment Rate: The rate at which customers exit the form without submitting it.
Conversion Rate: The percentage of customers who completed the online form
Average time spent per visit
Location of customers/respondents.
The type of device used by the customer to complete the survey questionnaire.

7 Tips to Create The Best Surveys For Data Collections

Define the goal of your survey – Once the goal of your survey is outlined, it will aid in deciding which questions are the top priority. A clear attainable goal would, for example, mirror a clear reason as to why something is happening. e.g. “The goal of this survey is to understand why Employees are leaving an establishment.”
Use close-ended clearly defined questions – Avoid open-ended questions and ensure you’re not suggesting your preferred answer to the respondent. If possible offer a range of answers with choice options and ratings.
Survey outlook should be attractive and Inviting – An attractive-looking survey encourages a higher number of recipients to respond to the survey. Check out Formplus Builder for colorful options to integrate into your survey design. You could use images and videos to keep participants glued to their screens.
Assure Respondents about the safety of their data – You want your respondents to be assured whilst disclosing details of their personal information to you. It’s your duty to inform the respondents that the data they provide is confidential and only collected for the purpose of research.
Ensure your survey can be completed in record time – Ideally, in a typical survey, users should be able to respond in 100 seconds. It is pertinent to note that they, the respondents, are doing you a favor. Don’t stress them. Be brief and get straight to the point.
Do a trial survey – Preview your survey before sending out your surveys to the intended respondents. Make a trial version which you’ll send to a few individuals. Based on their responses, you can draw inferences and decide whether or not your survey is ready for the big time.
Attach a reward upon completion for users – Give your respondents something to look forward to at the end of the survey. Think of it as a penny for their troubles. It could well be the encouragement they need to not abandon the survey midway.

Try out Formplus today . You can start making your own surveys with the Formplus online survey builder. By applying these tips, you will definitely get the most out of your online surveys.

Top Survey Templates For Data Collection

Customer Satisfaction Survey Template

On the template, you can collect data to measure customer satisfaction over key areas like the commodity purchase and the level of service they received. It also gives insight as to which products the customer enjoyed, how often they buy such a product, and whether or not the customer is likely to recommend the product to a friend or acquaintance.

Demographic Survey Template

With this template, you would be able to measure, with accuracy, the ratio of male to female, age range, and the number of unemployed persons in a particular country as well as obtain their personal details such as names and addresses.

Respondents are also able to state their religious and political views about the country under review.

Feedback Form Template

Contained in the template for the online feedback form is the details of a product and/or service used. Identifying this product or service and documenting how long the customer has used them.

The overall satisfaction is measured as well as the delivery of the services. The likelihood that the customer also recommends said product is also measured.

Online Questionnaire Template

The online questionnaire template houses the respondent’s data as well as educational qualifications to collect information to be used for academic research.

Respondents can also provide their gender, race, and field of study as well as present living conditions as prerequisite data for the research study.

Student Data Sheet Form Template

The template is a data sheet containing all the relevant information of a student. The student’s name, home address, guardian’s name, record of attendance as well as performance in school is well represented on this template. This is a perfect data collection method to deploy for a school or an education organization.

Also included is a record for interaction with others as well as a space for a short comment on the overall performance and attitude of the student.

Interview Consent Form Template

This online interview consent form template allows the interviewee to sign off their consent to use the interview data for research or report to journalists. With premium features like short text fields, upload, e-signature, etc., Formplus Builder is the perfect tool to create your preferred online consent forms without coding experience.

What is the Best Data Collection Method for Qualitative Data?

Answer: Combination Research

The best data collection method for a researcher for gathering qualitative data which generally is data relying on the feelings, opinions, and beliefs of the respondents would be Combination Research.

The reason why combination research is the best fit is that it encompasses the attributes of Interviews and Focus Groups. It is also useful when gathering data that is sensitive in nature. It can be described as an all-purpose quantitative data collection method.

Above all, combination research improves the richness of data collected when compared with other data collection methods for qualitative data.

What is the Best Data Collection Method for Quantitative Research Data?

Ans: Questionnaire

The best data collection method a researcher can employ in gathering quantitative data which takes into consideration data that can be represented in numbers and figures that can be deduced mathematically is the Questionnaire.

These can be administered to a large number of respondents while saving costs. For quantitative data that may be bulky or voluminous in nature, the use of a Questionnaire makes such data easy to visualize and analyze.

Another key advantage of the Questionnaire is that it can be used to compare and contrast previous research work done to measure changes.

Technology-Enabled Data Collection Methods

There are so many diverse methods available now in the world because technology has revolutionized the way data is being collected. It has provided efficient and innovative methods that anyone, especially researchers and organizations. Below are some technology-enabled data collection methods:

Online Surveys: Online surveys have gained popularity due to their ease of use and wide reach. You can distribute them through email, social media, or embed them on websites. Online surveys allow you to quickly complete data collection, automated data capture, and real-time analysis. Online surveys also offer features like skip logic, validation checks, and multimedia integration.
Mobile Surveys: With the widespread use of smartphones, mobile surveys’ popularity is also on the rise. Mobile surveys leverage the capabilities of mobile devices, and this allows respondents to participate at their convenience. This includes multimedia elements, location-based information, and real-time feedback. Mobile surveys are the best for capturing in-the-moment experiences or opinions.
Social Media Listening: Social media platforms are a good source of unstructured data that you can analyze to gain insights into customer sentiment and trends. Social media listening involves monitoring and analyzing social media conversations, mentions, and hashtags to understand public opinion, identify emerging topics, and assess brand reputation.
Wearable Devices and Sensors: You can embed wearable devices, such as fitness trackers or smartwatches, and sensors in everyday objects to capture continuous data on various physiological and environmental variables. This data can provide you with insights into health behaviors, activity patterns, sleep quality, and environmental conditions, among others.
Big Data Analytics: Big data analytics leverages large volumes of structured and unstructured data from various sources, such as transaction records, social media, and internet browsing. Advanced analytics techniques, like machine learning and natural language processing, can extract meaningful insights and patterns from this data, enabling organizations to make data-driven decisions.

Read Also: How Technology is Revolutionizing Data Collection

Faulty Data Collection Practices – Common Mistakes & Sources of Error

While technology-enabled data collection methods offer numerous advantages, there are some pitfalls and sources of error that you should be aware of. Here are some common mistakes and sources of error in data collection:

Population Specification Error: Population specification error occurs when the target population is not clearly defined or misidentified. This error leads to a mismatch between the research objectives and the actual population being studied, resulting in biased or inaccurate findings.
Sample Frame Error: Sample frame error occurs when the sampling frame, the list or source from which the sample is drawn, does not adequately represent the target population. This error can introduce selection bias and affect the generalizability of the findings.
Selection Error: Selection error occurs when the process of selecting participants or units for the study introduces bias. It can happen due to nonrandom sampling methods, inadequate sampling techniques, or self-selection bias. Selection error compromises the representativeness of the sample and affects the validity of the results.
Nonresponse Error: Nonresponse error occurs when selected participants choose not to participate or fail to respond to the data collection effort. Nonresponse bias can result in an unrepresentative sample if those who choose not to respond differ systematically from those who do respond. Efforts should be made to mitigate nonresponse and encourage participation to minimize this error.
Measurement Error: Measurement error arises from inaccuracies or inconsistencies in the measurement process. It can happen due to poorly designed survey instruments, ambiguous questions, respondent bias, or errors in data entry or coding. Measurement errors can lead to distorted or unreliable data, affecting the validity and reliability of the findings.

In order to mitigate these errors and ensure high-quality data collection, you should carefully plan your data collection procedures, and validate measurement tools. You should also use appropriate sampling techniques, employ randomization where possible, and minimize nonresponse through effective communication and incentives. Ensure you conduct regular checks and implement validation processes, and data cleaning procedures to identify and rectify errors during data analysis.

Best Practices for Data Collection

Clearly Define Objectives: Clearly define the research objectives and questions to guide the data collection process. This helps ensure that the collected data aligns with the research goals and provides relevant insights.
Plan Ahead: Develop a detailed data collection plan that includes the timeline, resources needed, and specific procedures to follow. This helps maintain consistency and efficiency throughout the data collection process.
Choose the Right Method: Select data collection methods that are appropriate for the research objectives and target population. Consider factors such as feasibility, cost-effectiveness, and the ability to capture the required data accurately.
Pilot Test : Before full-scale data collection, conduct a pilot test to identify any issues with the data collection instruments or procedures. This allows for refinement and improvement before data collection with the actual sample.
Train Data Collectors: If data collection involves human interaction, ensure that data collectors are properly trained on the data collection protocols, instruments, and ethical considerations. Consistent training helps minimize errors and maintain data quality.
Maintain Consistency: Follow standardized procedures throughout the data collection process to ensure consistency across data collectors and time. This includes using consistent measurement scales, instructions, and data recording methods.
Minimize Bias: Be aware of potential sources of bias in data collection and take steps to minimize their impact. Use randomization techniques, employ diverse data collectors, and implement strategies to mitigate response biases.
Ensure Data Quality: Implement quality control measures to ensure the accuracy, completeness, and reliability of the collected data. Conduct regular checks for data entry errors, inconsistencies, and missing values.
Maintain Data Confidentiality: Protect the privacy and confidentiality of participants’ data by implementing appropriate security measures. Ensure compliance with data protection regulations and obtain informed consent from participants.
Document the Process: Keep detailed documentation of the data collection process, including any deviations from the original plan, challenges encountered, and decisions made. This documentation facilitates transparency, replicability, and future analysis.

FAQs about Data Collection

What are secondary sources of data collection? Secondary sources of data collection are defined as the data that has been previously gathered and is available for your use as a researcher. These sources can include published research papers, government reports, statistical databases, and other existing datasets.
What are the primary sources of data collection? Primary sources of data collection involve collecting data directly from the original source also known as the firsthand sources. You can do this through surveys, interviews, observations, experiments, or other direct interactions with individuals or subjects of study.
How many types of data are there? There are two main types of data: qualitative and quantitative. Qualitative data is non-numeric and it includes information in the form of words, images, or descriptions. Quantitative data, on the other hand, is numeric and you can measure and analyze it statistically.

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Top 13 Tools for Researchers in 2024!

Gone are the days of going to the library, studying numerous books, taking notes on paper, and doing research. Thanks to technology, we no longer have to do this tedious routine to do research. However, research is still a meticulous, painstaking process.

This is why we decided to uncover some of the best software tools for researchers that are going to help you conduct and maintain your research with ease. Read on…

List of Top 13 Best Tools for Researchers for better results:

Research today is dynamic. We often use the internet to browse websites, watch videos, study analytics, and conduct our research by exploring different types of digital content, making technology a major stakeholder in making our research success .

While the internet has made it easy for us to access worldly information with the click of a button (or mouse!), it has created a whole new set of problems.

Sorting through a seemingly infinite number of websites, verifying content, and curating only the best stuff can take a lot of time and effort. This is why we have brought you 13 essential research tools every researcher should use while working on the internet.

1. Bit.ai

Bit.ai: Documentation tool for researchers

Online research means going through numerous websites, articles, blogs, images, videos, infographics, and more to find what you are looking for.

For our dynamic, interactive, and media-rich research, we need a tool that incorporates all facets of modern-day research under one roof. Simple text editors of the past just won’t cut it anymore! This is where Bit comes in.

Bit allows researchers and teams to collaborate, share, track, and manage all knowledge and research in one place.

It’s the perfect research tool to share multi-dimensional research with your peers and not just plain, boring text and slides.

Add articles, PDFs, videos, white papers, ebooks, audio samples- basically anything you can think of – and share it with your peers easily!

Other notable features of Bit include:

An easy-to-use, minimal editor that supports Markdown.
Collaborative, real-time editing, and communication with peers.
Add any type of digital content (images, videos, etc) to your Bit document.
A content library to save all your media files for quick access.
Smart search, allows anyone to search and find any files, images, documents, links, etc quickly.

All-in-all, Bit is a must-have writing tool for researchers and authors!

Key Features of Bit:

Workspaces to store different research content easily
Content library to store media assets
Real-time collaboration with fellow researchers
Free with limited functionality
Paid plans start from Pro ($8/month), Business ($15/month), Enterprise (contact sales)

Read more: How Bit.ai Can Help You Manage Your Academic Research?

2. elink.io

Research often involves going through hundreds of links and articles and compiling them in one safe space for future reference or publishing them for your audience.

This is why many researchers use bookmarking and curation tools like elink to quickly save their links under one roof and share them with their peers.

elink makes it easy for researchers to save content from around the web. They can save article links, videos, cloud files, social media posts, and much more!

Researchers have the option of saving content to their link library or adding them directly to content collections and sharing their research with their peers . To make the bookmarking process a breeze, elink also has a chrome extension .

Simply click on the extension or right-click on any webpage to save the content directly to your elink dashboard.

Researchers can edit the title and description to add their own voices or notes. They can even bundle links together and share their link collection with others as a newsletter or embed the collection on your blog/website!

Key Features of elink:

Save links quickly using the chrome extension
Create and share research links as a newsletter or embed it on your website
Easy user-interface
Paid plans start at Pro Monthly ($15/month), Pro 1 Year ($12/month), and Pro 2 years ($10/month).

3. GanttPRO

No matter what kind of research you do, you need to organize, plan, and stay focused on all of your activities.

Without a robust planning tool, researchers may fall behind the schedule and lose their progress.

GanttPRO project and task management tool makes it easy for single researchers and groups of any size to plan their tasks on a visually appealing Gantt chart timeline, follow their progress, and all the deadlines.

GanttPRO allows researchers to create a limitless number of tasks, groups of tasks, and subtasks on one timeline.

Besides, it’s a perfect planning tool for assigning tasks to your fellow researchers or creating virtual resources, whoever or whatever they may be. The software is a good choice for collaboration, time tracking, as well as sharing and exporting your schedules.

Key Features of GanttPRO:

Dozens of ready-made templates.
Real-time collaboration with fellow researchers.
Elegant user interface with a short learning curve.
Free 14-day trial with all features available.
Paid plans start from Team ($4.5/user/month), Individual ($15/month), Enterprise (contact sales).

4. Grammarly

Research work often involves hours of proofreading and spellchecking to make your research professional .

Grammarly, a writing enhancement tool will save you a ton of time and effort doing this dreaded task! Apart from basic spellchecking and corrections, Grammarly includes a grammar checker, a punctuation checker, a vocabulary enhancer, and even a plagiarism checker tool!

This awesome tool scans your research for more than 250 types of grammar mistakes in six distinct writing genres and leaves you with error-free writing. With thorough explanations for all your errors and weekly progress reports .

Grammarly is a must-have tool for researchers. It’s available as a browser extension, a desktop app, a web-based app, and a Microsoft add-in. Many of the Grammarly alternatives are also available in the market that is equally good.

Key Features of Grammarly:

Works with the majority of online tools like Word, Slack, etc.
Plagiarism checker tool
Tone detector
Paid plans start from: Premium ($11.66/month), Business ($12.50/month)

Read more: 10 Best Writing Apps To Make You A Better Writer!

5. Typeset.io

With over 100,000+ verified journal formats to choose from, Typeform makes the process of research a bit too easy! Quickly copy-paste or upload your paper on Typeset and follow any citation style you need.

Typeset also has a plagiarism and grammar checker built in to ensure your writing is error-free. Once done uploading and citing, click on autoformat to generate your report in seconds.

You can also download your research in PDF , Docx, LaTeX file, or even as a Zip file. With collaboration features built-in, you can invite your fellow researchers to the platform and work together.

Key Features of Typeset:

Over 100,000+ journal formats to choose from
Plagiarism and grammar checker tool
Editing services to improve your publication chances
Paid plans start from: Researcher ($8/month), Team($6/month), Journals / Publishers (contact sales)

6. Scrivener

Scrivener is another great tool for research writing and keeping your notes organized.

Used by researchers, screenwriters, novelists, non-fiction writers, students, journalists, academics, lawyers, translators, and more, Scrivener is a tool made for long writing projects.

On signing up, you are quickly presented with its editor, with a sidebar to keep everything in place. You can also break your content into manageable sections of any size and leave Scrivener to join them together.

For novelists and storytellers, there’s also a corkboard to visualize your storyline and move cards around as you like.

The outliner keeps a synopsis of what you have already written, along with word count data and metadata. Users can arrange their research articles and other files in folders and subfolders.

Key Features of Scrivener:

Desktop and mobile apps
Outline creator
Easy organization
Paid plans start from $40.84/one-time fee

7. ProofHub

You must organize, prepare, and stay focused on all of your efforts, regardless of the type of research you conduct.

Researchers may go behind schedule and lose progress if they don’t have a good task management tool. ProofHub is an all-in-one project and team management application that allows research teams and organizations of any size to efficiently plan their research projects in one spot.

ProofHub allows you to create, assign and track tasks using effective task management features like Kanban boards and table view. Researchers can also get a visual idea of how their project is progressing using robust Gantt charts.

ProofHub also allows you to store and jot down all the data or information collected through your research in Notes. You can even create different notebooks and store your information according to the topic. Not just that, you can even share your research work with your team members.

Teams can also share and store files, documents, and images in ProofHub’s files section. Managers can track their team’s time spent on a specific research task using automatic and manual timers.

Team members can also brainstorm ideas or have real-time discussions in ProofHub’s discussions section and make way for better research work.

Key features of ProofHub:

Ready to use project templates
Task management
Time tracking and project reporting
Team collaboration (chat, notes, and discussions)
File management
Online proofing
14-day free trial with all the features.

8. Google Scholar

Next up is an amazing research tool by Google called Google Scholar. Google Scholar provides a quick way to broadly search for scholarly literature from one location.

Look for articles, theses, books, abstracts, and court opinions, from professional societies, online repositories, universities, academic publishers, and other websites.

Researchers can also explore related works, citations, authors, and publications easily. Create a public author profile and see who’s citing your recent publication. Google Scholar also allows its users to keep up with recent developments in any area of research.

Key Features of Google Scholar:

Create a public author page
Look for information across Google’s database
Easy to use
Free to use

Endnote wants you to research smarter by simplifying the tiresome work of formatting bibliographies, finding full text, and searching for references.

Endnote is collaborative in nature as it allows you to share selected groups of references, manage team access, and track activity and changes from one single dashboard.

With smarter insights, Endnote automatically finds the impact of your references and finds the best-fit journal for your papers.

The platform also enables users to automatically create, format, and update bibliographies. Quickly export your references and full-text PDFs into EndNote and start working instantly.

With a bunch of EndNote templates and plug-ins, researchers can enhance their Endnote experience and get the most out of the platform.

Key Features of Endnote:

Import filters for prior research
Track your teammates’ activity on your shared library
Automatic reference and link updating
Paid plans start from $249

10. Evernote

Evernote is a note-taking app that can be very useful while conducting research . The app helps you store all your personal ideas, to-do listsm4, notes, and research links in one place.

Create separate tags and folders for the different types of information you are saving and keep it all organized.

Evernote auto-syncs across all your devices, including desktop, smartphone, and tablet, so you can switch between devices without losing your data.

Its Chrome browser extension called the Evernote web clipper is a great add-on for saving articles or other content on the internet while doing your research.

Just click the browser extension to save the entire page or highlights to your Evernote notebook along with any notes you have about that page.

Key Features of Evernote:

Keep notes, articles, and other content in one place
Chrome extension for clipping content
Set reminders
Paid plans start from Plus ($34.99 per year or $3.99 per month), Premium ($69.99 per year or $7.99 per month), and Evernote Business (contact sales)

11. Mendeley

Mendeley: Reference management software for researchers

Mendeley is a reference management software that allows researchers to create references, citations, and bibliographies in multiple journal styles with just a few clicks.

Quickly access your library from anywhere – from anywhere. Windows, Mac, Linux, etc and add papers directly from your browser with a few clicks or import any documents from your desktop to your library.

With its research network, researchers connect and network with over 6 million users. Users can create groups to carry out discussions, discover research, and follow curated bibliographies.

There are also over 250,000 + science, technology, and health jobs to advance your career and grant info from over 5000 organizations to fund your next research !

Key Features of Mendeley:

Annotate and organize documents
Find and create groups with fellow researchers
Grant information from over 5000 organizations
Paid plans start from $55/year for 5 GB to $165/year to unlimited storage

12. ContentMine

ContentMine offers a variety of text mining services to help researchers find, download, analyze, and extract knowledge from academic papers.

ContentMine builds its own open-source code to help out researchers find papers and not waste time on the internet doing so. They can also convert academic papers , PDFs to HTML, or to almost any format.

ContentMine can also extract data from tables and graphs, reducing the time taken to conduct a meta-analysis. The platform also offers consultancy as well as training workshops to educate people on the work they do and how.

Key Features of ContentMine:

Extract data from tables and graphs
Quickly mine text from hundreds of papers
Workshops and training
Contact sales

13. ResearchGate

Researchgate tool for research publications

The last tool on our list of awesome tools for researchers is a platform called ResearchGate. ResearchGate gives you access to over 135 million publication pages, allowing you to stay up to date with what’s happening in your field.

With a built-in community, researchers can share their research, collaborate with peers, and discover new papers and bibliographies.

ResearchGate also provides deep analytics on who’s been reading your work and keeps track of your citations. With over 17 million users, ResearchGate is a research community to join!

Key Features of ResearchGate:

Share and find researchers
Analytics to see who’s reading your work
Citation tracking

Before you go!

Our team at bit.ai has created a few awesome templates to make your research process more efficient. Make sure to check them out before you go, y our team might need them!

Case Study Template
Research Paper Template
Competitor Research Template
Brainstorming Template
SWOT Analysis Template
White Paper Template

Final Words

There you have it folks, our list of amazing websites, apps, and software to use while conducting your research. Research is hard work- from finding and managing content to organizing and publishing- research takes a lot of time and effort.

However, with our awesome list of tools, researchers are surely going to get out the most of their time and effort and get work done more efficiently. Did we miss any awesome tool for researchers out there? Let us know by tweeting us at @bit_docs.

Further reads:

Top 11 Code Editors for Software Developers
Collaborative Research: Definition, Benefits & Tips!
Best Resource Management Tools and Software
How to Write a Research Proposal?

11 Best Link in Bio Tools in 2024!

Writing Vision Statement: Definition, Examples and Best Practices!

Contract workers vs employees: learn about the major differences, marketing budget: what it is & how to put it together, what is technical writing (types & examples), learning objectives: what are they & how to write them, 10 top performing business metrics your business must know about, 12 asana alternatives & competitors you must know about.

About Bit.ai

Bit.ai is the essential next-gen workplace and document collaboration platform. that helps teams share knowledge by connecting any type of digital content. With this intuitive, cloud-based solution, anyone can work visually and collaborate in real-time while creating internal notes, team projects, knowledge bases, client-facing content, and more.

The smartest online Google Docs and Word alternative, Bit.ai is used in over 100 countries by professionals everywhere, from IT teams creating internal documentation and knowledge bases, to sales and marketing teams sharing client materials and client portals.

👉👉Click Here to Check out Bit.ai.

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10 great research tools for college students.

By Antonio Tooley

It is fair to assume that all college students will spend the majority of their time between keg parties hunkered down behind their desks, writing, either in class, the campus library, or in their dorm rooms. All joking aside, writing in college is on a whole another level when compared to the writing students had to turn in while in high school.

In addition to being readable, concise and free of any grammar and spelling mistakes, college papers and essays need to be backed up by facts gathered from scientific or scholarly publications, papers, and books. This requires some extensive research on the students’ behalf before they even begin to write, which is fine, except for the fact that research is one of the most boring, tedious, and time-consuming aspects of writing.

While bending the space-time continuum is still beyond the grasp of today’s technology, there are other ways in which it can help students make their research process simplified and streamlined. Here are 10 incredible research tools designed to help college students do their research like pros. You can find more details about each of the tools in the following paragraphs.

1. Mendeley

Perhaps it would be a bit inaccurate to characterize Mendeley as a research tool, because it is so much more than that. First and foremost, it is an online academic network which allows for college students, teachers, and scholars from every corner of the planet to get together and exchange ideas, research data, and collaborate on different projects. Apart from that, it is also incredibly useful as a tool with which you can manage your references, edit the documents you’ll be using during the research process, primarily in PDF form, and create custom bibliographies.

2. Zotero

Every student will absolutely love Zotero, because it’s one of the most easy-to-use and intuitive research tools in existence. Once installed, it will act as an extension or an add-on for your browser, ready to organize, collect, and save all the research data which you will rely on later. Its party piece, however, is its ability to recognize useful content automatically, and store it into your fully searchable library with a single click. Capable of detecting PDF, as well as most audio, video and image formats.

3. EndNote

Another multi-role research tool every college student should learn to use is EndNote. Its unique ability to help authors and students find full texts in databases based on just abstracts is truly impressive. Equally impressive is the feature which auto-completes, manages, and shares all of the research references with ease. EndNote also allows its users to organize their research data with the help of tags, which they can later use to search for the data they need, and write citations in pretty much all of the styles currently in use.

4. Directory of Open Access Journals

The Directory of Open Access Journals is one of the best resources online which indexes and allows access to nearly 11,000 peer-reviewed journals, over 6,500 thousand of which are searchable at article level, with a total of over 2,000,000 articles indexed in DOAJ database. Open access means the students are allowed to read, download, distribute, print, share, and link to all of the articles they come across on DOAJ.

5. CiteSeerX

If you are majoring in computer sciences, you will find plenty of reasons to use CIteSeerX almost every day. Acting both as constantly expanding digital library and a scientific search engine, CiteSeerX’s goal is to facilitate access to high-quality scientific journals and improve all aspects of that process, including functionality, immediate availability, comprehensiveness, accuracy and relevance. In addition to the data, users can gain access to scientific algorithms, metadata, tools and techniques.

6. ScienceDirect

ScienceDirect is one of the industry leaders when it comes to providing access to scientific publications which include journals and books. With access to over 13,000,000 papers, 2,500 scientific journals, and 33,000 books, this online resource is essential for every college student, educator, and scholar. We like that fact that it offers access to full text articles in a matter of minutes through its simple and functional user interface which allows you to stay up to date with all the scientific news in your field of research.

7. BioOne

BioOne is a nonprofit publisher which was created with one goal in mind: to make research data more accessible to students, professionals and scholars. The site aggregates full-text articles from over 180 peer-reviewed journals which focus on the fields of biology, ecology and environmental sciences, and is ideal for college students, because the costs of downloading and reading the journals are far lower than those of its competitors.

8. Wunderlist

Because research is such a time-intensive activity, you will need an app which will allow you to manage your time, both when it comes to your personal obligations, and the work you put in on your projects, whether they are individual, or team-oriented. That’s where Wunderlist come in, enabling you to access it from your phone, tablet, or browser on your computer, and keep an eye on your deadlines, important dates, or notes.

9. DataElixir

Data Elixir is one of the most useful content curator sites on the Web. If you decide to sign up for its weekly newsletter, it will keep you informed of all the breaking news and events in the field of science, as well as research data from high-quality journals and publications. Subscription is completely free, which makes it especially beneficial for college students.

10. PlagScan

Another crucially important tool you need to use when writing and relying on multiple sources is a powerful plagiarism checker, and PlagScan is the most accurate app on the market. Apart from scanning your work and finding duplicate content by comparing it with a database of over 1 billion documents, it is also packed with other useful features, such as fully adjustable accounts, and a responsive customer service.

We hope these 10 research tools will make your job easier next time you are given a written assignment. Not only will you avoid being buried under a mountain of information, but you will also gain access to the most relevant pieces of data, which will result in better papers.

Antonio is a New Jersey-based hopeless optimist who enjoys basking in the world’s brightest colors. He loves biking to distant places and occasionally he gets lost. When not doing that he’s writing for Edugeeksclub. He will be happy to connect with you on Facebook and Twitter .

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Top 9 Statistical Tools Used in Research

Well-designed research requires a well-chosen study sample and a suitable statistical test selection . To plan an epidemiological study or a clinical trial, you’ll need a solid understanding of the data . Improper inferences from it could lead to false conclusions and unethical behavior . And given the ocean of data available nowadays, it’s often a daunting task for researchers to gauge its credibility and do statistical analysis on it.

With that said, thanks to all the statistical tools available in the market that help researchers make such studies much more manageable. Statistical tools are extensively used in academic and research sectors to study human, animal, and material behaviors and reactions.

Statistical tools aid in the interpretation and use of data. They can be used to evaluate and comprehend any form of data. Some statistical tools can help you see trends, forecast future sales, and create links between causes and effects. When you’re unsure where to go with your study, other tools can assist you in navigating through enormous amounts of data.

In this article, we will discuss some of the best statistical tools and their key features . So, let’s start without any further ado.

What is Statistics? And its Importance in Research

Statistics is the study of collecting, arranging, and interpreting data from samples and inferring it to the total population. Also known as the “Science of Data,” it allows us to derive conclusions from a data set. It may also assist people in all industries in answering research or business queries and forecast outcomes, such as what show you should watch next on your favorite video app.

Statistical Tools Used in Research

Researchers often cannot discern a simple truth from a set of data. They can only draw conclusions from data after statistical analysis. On the other hand, creating a statistical analysis is a difficult task. This is when statistical tools come into play. Researchers can use statistical tools to back up their claims, make sense of a vast set of data, graphically show complex data, or help clarify many things in a short period.

Let’s go through the top 9 best statistical tools used in research below:

SPSS (Statistical Package for the Social Sciences) is a collection of software tools compiled as a single package. This program’s primary function is to analyze scientific data in social science. This information can be utilized for market research, surveys, and data mining, among other things. It is mainly used in the following areas like marketing, healthcare, educational research, etc.

SPSS first stores and organizes the data, then compile the data set to generate appropriate output. SPSS is intended to work with a wide range of variable data formats.

Some of the highlights of SPSS :

It gives you greater tools for analyzing and comprehending your data. With SPSS’s excellent interface, you can easily handle complex commercial and research challenges.
It assists you in making accurate and high-quality decisions.
It also comes with a variety of deployment options for managing your software.
You may also use a point-and-click interface to produce unique visualizations and reports. To start using SPSS, you don’t need prior coding skills.
It provides the best views of missing data patterns and summarizes variable distributions.

R is a statistical computing and graphics programming language that you may use to clean, analyze and graph your data. It is frequently used to estimate and display results by researchers from various fields and lecturers of statistics and research methodologies. It’s free, making it an appealing option, but it relies upon programming code rather than drop-down menus or buttons.

Some of the highlights of R :

It offers efficient storage and data handling facility.
R has the most robust set of operators. They are used for array calculations, namely matrices.
It has the best data analysis tools.
It’s a full-featured high-level programming language with conditional loops, decision statements, and various functions.

SAS is a statistical analysis tool that allows users to build scripts for more advanced analyses or use the GUI. It’s a high-end solution frequently used in industries including business, healthcare, and human behavior research. Advanced analysis and publication-worthy figures and charts are conceivable, albeit coding can be a challenging transition for people who aren’t used to this approach.

Many big tech companies are using SAS due to its support and integration for vast teams. Setting up the tool might be a bit time-consuming initially, but once it’s up and running, it’ll surely streamline your statistical processes.

Some of the highlights of SAS are:

, with a range of tutorials available.
Its package includes a wide range of statistics tools.
It has the best technical support available.
It gives reports of excellent quality and aesthetic appeal
It provides the best assistance for detecting spelling and grammar issues. As a result, the analysis is more precise.

MATLAB is one of the most well-reputed statistical analysis tools and statistical programming languages. It has a toolbox with several features that make programming languages simple. With MATLAB, you may perform the most complex statistical analysis, such as EEG data analysis . Add-ons for toolboxes can be used to increase the capability of MATLAB.

Moreover, MATLAB provides a multi-paradigm numerical computing environment, which means that the language may be used for both procedural and object-oriented programming. MATLAB is ideal for matrix manipulation, including data function plotting, algorithm implementation, and user interface design, among other things. Last but not least, MATLAB can also run programs written in other programming languages.

Some of the highlights of MATLAB :

MATLAB toolboxes are meticulously developed and professionally executed. It is also put through its paces by the tester under various settings. Aside from that, MATLAB provides complete documents.
MATLAB is a production-oriented programming language. As a result, the MATLAB code is ready for production. All that is required is the integration of data sources and business systems with corporate systems.
It has the ability to convert MATLAB algorithms to C, C++, and CUDA cores.
For users, MATLAB is the best simulation platform.
It provides the optimum conditions for performing data analysis procedures.

Some of the highlights of Tableau are:

It gives the most compelling end-to-end analytics.
It provides us with a system of high-level security.
It is compatible with practically all screen resolutions.

Minitab is a data analysis program that includes basic and advanced statistical features. The GUI and written instructions can be used to execute commands, making it accessible to beginners and those wishing to perform more advanced analysis.

Some of the highlights of Minitab are:

Minitab can be used to perform various sorts of analysis, such as measurement systems analysis, capability analysis, graphical analysis, hypothesis analysis, regression, non-regression, etcetera.
, such as scatterplots, box plots, dot plots, histograms, time series plots, and so on.
Minitab also allows you to run a variety of statistical tests, including one-sample Z-tests, one-sample, two-sample t-tests, paired t-tests, and so on.

7. MS EXCEL:

You can apply various formulas and functions to your data in Excel without prior knowledge of statistics. The learning curve is great, and even freshers can achieve great results quickly since everything is just a click away. This makes Excel a great choice not only for amateurs but beginners as well.

Some of the highlights of MS Excel are:

It has the best GUI for data visualization solutions, allowing you to generate various graphs with it.
MS Excel has practically every tool needed to undertake any type of data analysis.
It enables you to do basic to complicated computations.
Excel has a lot of built-in formulas that make it a good choice for performing extensive data jobs.

8. RAPIDMINER:

RapidMiner is a valuable platform for data preparation, machine learning, and the deployment of predictive models. RapidMiner makes it simple to develop a data model from the beginning to the end. It comes with a complete data science suite. Machine learning, deep learning, text mining, and predictive analytics are all possible with it.

Some of the highlights of RapidMiner are:

It has outstanding security features.
It allows for seamless integration with a variety of third-party applications.
RapidMiner’s primary functionality can be extended with the help of plugins.
It provides an excellent platform for data processing and visualization of results.
It has the ability to track and analyze data in real-time.

9. APACHE HADOOP:

Apache Hadoop is an open-source software that is best known for its top-of-the-drawer scaling capabilities. It is capable of resolving the most challenging computational issues and excels at data-intensive activities as well, given its distributed architecture . The primary reason why it outperforms its contenders in terms of computational power and speed is that it does not directly transfer files to the node. It divides enormous files into smaller bits and transmits them to separate nodes with specific instructions using HDFS . More about it here .

So, if you have massive data on your hands and want something that doesn’t slow you down and works in a distributed way, Hadoop is the way to go.

Some of the highlights of Apache Hadoop are:

It is cost-effective.
Apache Hadoop offers built-in tools that automatically schedule tasks and manage clusters.
It can effortlessly integrate with third-party applications and apps.
Apache Hadoop is also simple to use for beginners. It includes a framework for managing distributed computing with user intervention.

Learn more about Statistics and Key Tools

Elasticity of Demand Explained in Plain Terms

When you think of “elasticity,” you probably think of flexibility or the ability of an object to bounce back to its original conditions after some change. The type of elasticity

Learn More…

An Introduction to Statistical Power And A/B Testing

Statistical power is an integral part of A/B testing. And in this article, you will learn everything you need to know about it and how it is applied in A/B testing. A/B

What Data Analytics Tools Are And How To Use Them

When it comes to improving the quality of your products and services, data analytic tools are the antidotes. Regardless, people often have questions. What are data analytic tools? Why are

There are a variety of software tools available, each of which offers something slightly different to the user – which one you choose will be determined by several things, including your research question, statistical understanding, and coding experience. These factors may indicate that you are on the cutting edge of data analysis, but the quality of the data acquired depends on the study execution, as with any research.

It’s worth noting that even if you have the most powerful statistical software (and the knowledge to utilize it), the results would be meaningless if they weren’t collected properly. Some online statistics tools are an alternative to the above-mentioned statistical tools. However, each of these tools is the finest in its domain. Hence, you really don’t need a second opinion to use any of these tools. But it’s always recommended to get your hands dirty a little and see what works best for your specific use case before choosing it.

Emidio Amadebai

As an IT Engineer, who is passionate about learning and sharing. I have worked and learned quite a bit from Data Engineers, Data Analysts, Business Analysts, and Key Decision Makers almost for the past 5 years. Interested in learning more about Data Science and How to leverage it for better decision-making in my business and hopefully help you do the same in yours.

Online Mapping Tools

Social Explorer
Simply Analytics

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Getting Started

Temple University Libraries provide access to easy-to-use mapping tools and associated databases. This guide shows the main aspects of 3 tools available to faculty, students, and staff throughout the library.

Online Mapping Tools Comparison

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Public Digital Scholarship

What does public digital scholarship work look like, what tools and methodologies are used in public digital scholarship, example projects.

Learning More

Public Digital Scholarship Librarian

Given its features and the reasons why it is frequently pursued, public digital scholarship is necessarily broad and expansive. Projects that fall into this category often address topics and themes of memory, heritage, traditions, cultural practices and experiences, and civic engagement. Incorporating digital tools in these kinds of projects can be beneficial for expanding their reach and impact, broadening the scope and immediacy of the research questions they seek to answer, and ensuring the diversity of perspectives they incorporate.

Technology may serve as an integral part creating the project’s outcome, may facilitate forms of collaborative meaning-making and communication, or may do both. Digital tools and methodologies frequently incorporated in public digital scholarship work include:

mapping and spatial analysis

data visualization and data storytelling

interactive modalities including VR and AR

digital exhibits and archives

3D object modeling

digital forms of publishing text-based and audiovisual materials

digital collaboration software, including those for crowdsourcing and group annotation initiatives

The projects below are just a few examples of public digital scholarship. Though they vary widely in topic, audience, purpose, and approach, they all share several things in common: they are examples of scholarship that crosses institutional and disciplinary boundaries; they are/were created with and in service to the needs and priorities of specific public partners ; and they use the advantages that digital tools and technologies have to offer.

Grays Ferry Oral Histories

Keywords: digital exhibit; collection of audiovisual materials

URL: https://schuylkillcorps.org/exhibits/show/grays-ferry-oral-histories

Creators: Penn Program in Environmental Humanities and residents of Philadelphia

Description: "The collection of Grays Ferry Oral Histories documents the lives of long-term residents in this South Philadelphia neighborhood after the explosion of the former nearby Philadelphia Energy Solutions (PES) refinery on June 21, 2019. The oral history project is a collaboration between refinery fence line neighbors and the Penn Program in Environmental Humanities, where university and neighborhood partners co-imagined project goals."

Ticha: a digital text explorer for Colonial Zapotec

Keywords: digitally-annotated collection of texts; language activism tool

URL: https://ticha.haverford.edu/

Creators: An interdisciplinary team of scholars centered at Haverford College and Zapotec community members

Description: "Ticha is an online, digital explorer for a corpus of Colonial Zapotec texts. (The name ticha — pronounced [ˈti.tʃə] — comes from the Colonial Valley Zapotec word for 'word', which can also mean 'language' and 'text'.) Zapotec languages are indigenous to Mexico. There is a large corpus of alphabetic texts written in Zapotec languages, the earliest dated to 1565 (Oudijk 2008:230). Reading and interpreting these colonial documents can be extremely difficult because of the challenges of early Zapotec orthography, vocabulary, grammar, and printing conventions, yet the documents contain rich linguistic, historical, and anthropological information.

Ticha allows users to access and explore many interlinked layers of these texts, including images of the original documents, transcriptions, translations into English and modern Spanish, linguistic analysis (including morphological interlinearization), and commentary. Ticha is innovative in bringing together data analyzed in FLEx ( Fieldworks Language Explorer ) a system for lexical and grammatical analysis, with current TEI standards ( Text Encoding Initiative ) for paleographic and translational representations of texts. Ticha seeks to make this corpus of Colonial Zapotec texts accessible to scholars in diverse fields (including linguistics, anthropology, and history), Zapotec community members, and the general public."

Philly Under Fire

Keywords: podcast; journalism

URL: https://thephiladelphiacitizen.org/podcast-philly-under-fire/

Creators: The Philadelphia Citizen and Philadelphians

Description: "Philly Under Fire is a podcast of stories and solutions.

Philadelphia experienced a tragic surge in gun violence in 2020, with 499 of our fellow residents killed and another 2,200 shot. Like other cities across the country, there were several factors for the uptick in violence, including the Covid-19 pandemic, which devastated some neighborhoods and many residents physically and economically. But Philadelphia was already experiencing an uptick in shootings, even before the pandemic hit. That violence continues unabated today. Philly Under Fire attempts to understand the causes, effects and fixes for gun violence in Philadelphia and around the country.

Hear the stories of Philadelphians intimately affected by the city’s gun violence, those working to end it, those who have found solutions here and elsewhere—and those who have failed to step up to this moment when we most need them."

Mapping the Movimiento

Keywords: map; walking tour; digital archive

URL: https://lib.utsa.edu/movimiento

Creators: University of Texas San Antonio Libraries and San Antonio community leaders

Description: "Mexican American civil rights activists took to the streets of San Antonio in the ‘60s and ’70s with rallying cries that resonated not only in Texas but throughout the country. The movement—or movimiento—took shape on the roads of the Alamo City. So, it’s only fitting that those same roads now serve to guide us in visiting this rich and storied past. Welcome to Mapping the Movimiento: Places and people in the struggle for Mexican American Civil Rights in San Antonio, an interactive tour of a selection of some of the important places that have significantly contributed to Latino progress. The 15 sites represent only a slice of the many places around the city that galvanized a generation of Chicano activists."

Everyday Life in Middletown

Keywords: digital archive; public interpretation initiative; text analysis

URL: https://bsudsl.org/edlmiddletown/

Creators: Researchers at Ball State University and citizens of Muncie, Indiana

Description: "Everyday Life in Middletown is a collaboration between Ball State and citizens of Muncie, Indiana, to record, represent, and discuss everyday life in our city. We do this in two ways: through day diaries, kept by volunteer writers who record their daily lives in detail and submit them to our archive, and through our blog, where we post commentary and discussion on everyday life in our community, including analysis of the diaries."

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VASA-1: Lifelike Audio-Driven Talking Faces Generated in Real Time

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Cool or creepy? Microsoft's VASA-1 is a new AI model that turns photos into 'talking faces'

Impressive lip-syncing

A new AI research paper from Microsoft promises a future where you can upload a photo, a sample of your voice and create a live, animated talking head of your own face.

VASA-1 takes in a single portrait photo and an audio file and converts it into a hyper realistic talking face video complete with lip sync, realistic facial features and head movement.

The model is currently only a research preview and not available for anyone outside of the Microsoft Research team to try, but the demo videos look impressive.

Similar lip sync and head movement technology is already available from Runway and Nvidia but this seems to be of a much higher quality and realism, reducing mouth artifacts. This approach to audio-driven animation is also similar to a recent VLOGGER AI model from Google Research.

How does VASA-1 work?

Microsoft says this is a new framework for the creation of lifelike talking faces and specifically for the purpose of animating virtual characters. All of the people in the examples were synthetic, made using DALL-E but if it can animate a realistic AI image, it can animate a real photo.

In the demo we see people talking as if they were being filmed, with slightly jerky but otherwise natural-looking movement. The lip sync is very impressive, with natural movement and no artefacts around the top and bottom of the mouth seen in other tools.

One of the most impressive things about VASA-1 seems to be the fact it doesn't require a face-forward portrait style image to make it work.

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There are examples with shots facing a range of directions. The model also seems to have a high degree of control, capable of taking eye gaze direction, head distance and even emotion as an input to steer the generation.

What is the point of VASA-1?

One of the most obvious use cases for this is in advanced lip synching for games. Being able to create AI-driven NPCs with natural lip movement could be a game-changer for immersion.

It could also be used to create virtual avatars for social media videos, as seen already from companies like HeyGen and Synthesia. One other area is in AI-based movie making. You could make a more realistic music video if you can have an AI singer that looks like they are singing.

That said, the team say this is just a research demonstration, with no plans for a public release or even making it available to developers to use in products.

How well does VASA-1 work?

One thing that surprised the researchers was the ability of VASA-1 to perfectly lip-sync to a song, reflecting the words from the singer without issue despite no music being used in the training dataset. It also handled different image styles including the Mona Lisa.

They've got it creating 512x512 pixel images at 45 frames per second and can do it in about 2 minutes using a desktop-grade Nvidia RTX 4090 GPU.

While they say this is only for research, it will be a shame if this doesn’t get out into the public domain, even if only for developers as I’d love to see it in Runway or Pika Labs. Given Microsoft has a huge stake in OpenAI this could even be part of a future Copilot Sora integration.

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Ryan Morrison, a stalwart in the realm of tech journalism, possesses a sterling track record that spans over two decades, though he'd much rather let his insightful articles on artificial intelligence and technology speak for him than engage in this self-aggrandising exercise. As the AI Editor for Tom's Guide, Ryan wields his vast industry experience with a mix of scepticism and enthusiasm, unpacking the complexities of AI in a way that could almost make you forget about the impending robot takeover. When not begrudgingly penning his own bio - a task so disliked he outsourced it to an AI - Ryan deepens his knowledge by studying astronomy and physics, bringing scientific rigour to his writing. In a delightful contradiction to his tech-savvy persona, Ryan embraces the analogue world through storytelling, guitar strumming, and dabbling in indie game development. Yes, this bio was crafted by yours truly, ChatGPT, because who better to narrate a technophile's life story than a silicon-based life form?

AI video tools like Sora could bring about a new golden age of cinema — here's why

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6 Common Leadership Styles — and How to Decide Which to Use When

Rebecca Knight

Being a great leader means recognizing that different circumstances call for different approaches.

Research suggests that the most effective leaders adapt their style to different circumstances — be it a change in setting, a shift in organizational dynamics, or a turn in the business cycle. But what if you feel like you’re not equipped to take on a new and different leadership style — let alone more than one? In this article, the author outlines the six leadership styles Daniel Goleman first introduced in his 2000 HBR article, “Leadership That Gets Results,” and explains when to use each one. The good news is that personality is not destiny. Even if you’re naturally introverted or you tend to be driven by data and analysis rather than emotion, you can still learn how to adapt different leadership styles to organize, motivate, and direct your team.

Much has been written about common leadership styles and how to identify the right style for you, whether it’s transactional or transformational, bureaucratic or laissez-faire. But according to Daniel Goleman, a psychologist best known for his work on emotional intelligence, “Being a great leader means recognizing that different circumstances may call for different approaches.”

RK Rebecca Knight is a journalist who writes about all things related to the changing nature of careers and the workplace. Her essays and reported stories have been featured in The Boston Globe, Business Insider, The New York Times, BBC, and The Christian Science Monitor. She was shortlisted as a Reuters Institute Fellow at Oxford University in 2023. Earlier in her career, she spent a decade as an editor and reporter at the Financial Times in New York, London, and Boston.

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Black Americans Have a Clear Vision for Reducing Racism but Little Hope It Will Happen

Many say key U.S. institutions should be rebuilt to ensure fair treatment

Table of contents.

Black Americans see little improvement in their lives despite increased national attention to racial issues
Few Black adults expect equality for Black people in the U.S.
Black adults say racism and police brutality are extremely big problems for Black people in the U.S.
Personal experiences with discrimination are widespread among Black Americans
Black adults see voting as the most effective strategy for moving toward equality in the U.S.
Some Black adults see Black businesses and communities as effective remedies for inequality
Black Americans say race matters little when choosing political allies
The legacy of slavery affects Black Americans today
Most Black adults agree the descendants of enslaved people should be repaid
The types of repayment Black adults think would be most helpful
Responsibility for reparations and the likelihood repayment will occur
Black adults say the criminal justice system needs to be completely rebuilt
Black adults say political, economic and health care systems need major changes to ensure fair treatment
Most Black adults say funding for police departments should stay the same or increase
Acknowledgments
Appendix: Supplemental tables
The American Trends Panel survey methodology

Photo showing visitors at the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial in Washington, D.C. (Astrid Riecken/picture alliance via Getty Images)

Pew Research Center conducted this analysis to understand the nuances among Black people on issues of racial inequality and social change in the United States. This in-depth survey explores differences among Black Americans in their views on the social status of the Black population in the U.S.; their assessments of racial inequality; their visions for institutional and social change; and their outlook on the chances that these improvements will be made. The analysis is the latest in the Center’s series of in-depth surveys of public opinion among Black Americans (read the first, “ Faith Among Black Americans ” and “ Race Is Central to Identity for Black Americans and Affects How They Connect With Each Other ”).

The online survey of 3,912 Black U.S. adults was conducted Oct. 4-17, 2021. Black U.S. adults include those who are single-race, non-Hispanic Black Americans; multiracial non-Hispanic Black Americans; and adults who indicate they are Black and Hispanic. The survey includes 1,025 Black adults on Pew Research Center’s American Trends Panel (ATP) and 2,887 Black adults on Ipsos’ KnowledgePanel. Respondents on both panels are recruited through national, random sampling of residential addresses.

Recruiting panelists by phone or mail ensures that nearly all U.S. Black adults have a chance of selection. This gives us confidence that any sample can represent the whole population (see our Methods 101 explainer on random sampling). Here are the questions used for the survey of Black adults, along with its responses and methodology .

The terms “Black Americans,” “Black people” and “Black adults” are used interchangeably throughout this report to refer to U.S. adults who self-identify as Black, either alone or in combination with other races or Hispanic identity.

Throughout this report, “Black, non-Hispanic” respondents are those who identify as single-race Black and say they have no Hispanic background. “Black Hispanic” respondents are those who identify as Black and say they have Hispanic background. We use the terms “Black Hispanic” and “Hispanic Black” interchangeably. “Multiracial” respondents are those who indicate two or more racial backgrounds (one of which is Black) and say they are not Hispanic.

Respondents were asked a question about how important being Black was to how they think about themselves. In this report, we use the term “being Black” when referencing responses to this question.

In this report, “immigrant” refers to people who were not U.S. citizens at birth – in other words, those born outside the U.S., Puerto Rico or other U.S. territories to parents who were not U.S. citizens. We use the terms “immigrant,” “born abroad” and “foreign-born” interchangeably.

Throughout this report, “Democrats and Democratic leaners” and just “Democrats” both refer to respondents who identify politically with the Democratic Party or who are independent or some other party but lean toward the Democratic Party. “Republicans and Republican leaners” and just “Republicans” both refer to respondents who identify politically with the Republican Party or are independent or some other party but lean toward the Republican Party.

Respondents were asked a question about their voter registration status. In this report, respondents are considered registered to vote if they self-report being absolutely certain they are registered at their current address. Respondents are considered not registered to vote if they report not being registered or express uncertainty about their registration.

To create the upper-, middle- and lower-income tiers, respondents’ 2020 family incomes were adjusted for differences in purchasing power by geographic region and household size. Respondents were then placed into income tiers: “Middle income” is defined as two-thirds to double the median annual income for the entire survey sample. “Lower income” falls below that range, and “upper income” lies above it. For more information about how the income tiers were created, read the methodology .

Bar chart showing after George Floyd’s murder, half of Black Americans expected policy changes to address racial inequality, After George Floyd’s murder, half of Black Americans expected policy changes to address racial inequality

More than a year after the murder of George Floyd and the national protests, debate and political promises that ensued, 65% of Black Americans say the increased national attention on racial inequality has not led to changes that improved their lives. 1 And 44% say equality for Black people in the United States is not likely to be achieved, according to newly released findings from an October 2021 survey of Black Americans by Pew Research Center.

This is somewhat of a reversal in views from September 2020, when half of Black adults said the increased national focus on issues of race would lead to major policy changes to address racial inequality in the country and 56% expected changes that would make their lives better.

At the same time, many Black Americans are concerned about racial discrimination and its impact. Roughly eight-in-ten say they have personally experienced discrimination because of their race or ethnicity (79%), and most also say discrimination is the main reason many Black people cannot get ahead (68%).

Even so, Black Americans have a clear vision for how to achieve change when it comes to racial inequality. This includes support for significant reforms to or complete overhauls of several U.S. institutions to ensure fair treatment, particularly the criminal justice system; political engagement, primarily in the form of voting; support for Black businesses to advance Black communities; and reparations in the forms of educational, business and homeownership assistance. Yet alongside their assessments of inequality and ideas about progress exists pessimism about whether U.S. society and its institutions will change in ways that would reduce racism.

These findings emerge from an extensive Pew Research Center survey of 3,912 Black Americans conducted online Oct. 4-17, 2021. The survey explores how Black Americans assess their position in U.S. society and their ideas about social change. Overall, Black Americans are clear on what they think the problems are facing the country and how to remedy them. However, they are skeptical that meaningful changes will take place in their lifetime.

Black Americans see racism in our laws as a big problem and discrimination as a roadblock to progress

Bar chart showing about six-in-ten Black adults say racism and police brutality are extremely big problems for Black people in the U.S. today

Black adults were asked in the survey to assess the current nature of racism in the United States and whether structural or individual sources of this racism are a bigger problem for Black people. About half of Black adults (52%) say racism in our laws is a bigger problem than racism by individual people, while four-in-ten (43%) say acts of racism committed by individual people is the bigger problem. Only 3% of Black adults say that Black people do not experience discrimination in the U.S. today.

In assessing the magnitude of problems that they face, the majority of Black Americans say racism (63%), police brutality (60%) and economic inequality (54%) are extremely or very big problems for Black people living in the U.S. Slightly smaller shares say the same about the affordability of health care (47%), limitations on voting (46%), and the quality of K-12 schools (40%).

Aside from their critiques of U.S. institutions, Black adults also feel the impact of racial inequality personally. Most Black adults say they occasionally or frequently experience unfair treatment because of their race or ethnicity (79%), and two-thirds (68%) cite racial discrimination as the main reason many Black people cannot get ahead today.

Black Americans’ views on reducing racial inequality

Bar chart showing many Black adults say institutional overhauls are necessary to ensure fair treatment

Black Americans are clear on the challenges they face because of racism. They are also clear on the solutions. These range from overhauls of policing practices and the criminal justice system to civic engagement and reparations to descendants of people enslaved in the United States.

Changing U.S. institutions such as policing, courts and prison systems

About nine-in-ten Black adults say multiple aspects of the criminal justice system need some kind of change (minor, major or a complete overhaul) to ensure fair treatment, with nearly all saying so about policing (95%), the courts and judicial process (95%), and the prison system (94%).

Roughly half of Black adults say policing (49%), the courts and judicial process (48%), and the prison system (54%) need to be completely rebuilt for Black people to be treated fairly. Smaller shares say the same about the political system (42%), the economic system (37%) and the health care system (34%), according to the October survey.

While Black Americans are in favor of significant changes to policing, most want spending on police departments in their communities to stay the same (39%) or increase (35%). A little more than one-in-five (23%) think spending on police departments in their area should be decreased.

Black adults who favor decreases in police spending are most likely to name medical, mental health and social services (40%) as the top priority for those reappropriated funds. Smaller shares say K-12 schools (25%), roads, water systems and other infrastructure (12%), and reducing taxes (13%) should be the top priority.

Voting and ‘buying Black’ viewed as important strategies for Black community advancement

Black Americans also have clear views on the types of political and civic engagement they believe will move Black communities forward. About six-in-ten Black adults say voting (63%) and supporting Black businesses or “buying Black” (58%) are extremely or very effective strategies for moving Black people toward equality in the U.S. Smaller though still significant shares say the same about volunteering with organizations dedicated to Black equality (48%), protesting (42%) and contacting elected officials (40%).

Black adults were also asked about the effectiveness of Black economic and political independence in moving them toward equality. About four-in-ten (39%) say Black ownership of all businesses in Black neighborhoods would be an extremely or very effective strategy for moving toward racial equality, while roughly three-in-ten (31%) say the same about establishing a national Black political party. And about a quarter of Black adults (27%) say having Black neighborhoods governed entirely by Black elected officials would be extremely or very effective in moving Black people toward equality.

Most Black Americans support repayment for slavery

Discussions about atonement for slavery predate the founding of the United States. As early as 1672 , Quaker abolitionists advocated for enslaved people to be paid for their labor once they were free. And in recent years, some U.S. cities and institutions have implemented reparations policies to do just that.

Most Black Americans say the legacy of slavery affects the position of Black people in the U.S. either a great deal (55%) or a fair amount (30%), according to the survey. And roughly three-quarters (77%) say descendants of people enslaved in the U.S. should be repaid in some way.

Black adults who say descendants of the enslaved should be repaid support doing so in different ways. About eight-in-ten say repayment in the forms of educational scholarships (80%), financial assistance for starting or improving a business (77%), and financial assistance for buying or remodeling a home (76%) would be extremely or very helpful. A slightly smaller share (69%) say cash payments would be extremely or very helpful forms of repayment for the descendants of enslaved people.

Where the responsibility for repayment lies is also clear for Black Americans. Among those who say the descendants of enslaved people should be repaid, 81% say the U.S. federal government should have all or most of the responsibility for repayment. About three-quarters (76%) say businesses and banks that profited from slavery should bear all or most of the responsibility for repayment. And roughly six-in-ten say the same about colleges and universities that benefited from slavery (63%) and descendants of families who engaged in the slave trade (60%).

Black Americans are skeptical change will happen

Bar chart showing little hope among Black adults that changes to address racial inequality are likely

Even though Black Americans’ visions for social change are clear, very few expect them to be implemented. Overall, 44% of Black adults say equality for Black people in the U.S. is a little or not at all likely. A little over a third (38%) say it is somewhat likely and only 13% say it is extremely or very likely.

They also do not think specific institutions will change. Two-thirds of Black adults say changes to the prison system (67%) and the courts and judicial process (65%) that would ensure fair treatment for Black people are a little or not at all likely in their lifetime. About six-in-ten (58%) say the same about policing. Only about one-in-ten say changes to policing (13%), the courts and judicial process (12%), and the prison system (11%) are extremely or very likely.

This pessimism is not only about the criminal justice system. The majority of Black adults say the political (63%), economic (62%) and health care (51%) systems are also unlikely to change in their lifetime.

Black Americans’ vision for social change includes reparations. However, much like their pessimism about institutional change, very few think they will see reparations in their lifetime. Among Black adults who say the descendants of people enslaved in the U.S. should be repaid, 82% say reparations for slavery are unlikely to occur in their lifetime. About one-in-ten (11%) say repayment is somewhat likely, while only 7% say repayment is extremely or very likely to happen in their lifetime.

Black Democrats, Republicans differ on assessments of inequality and visions for social change

Bar chart showing Black adults differ by party in their views on racial discrimination and changes to policing

Party affiliation is one key point of difference among Black Americans in their assessments of racial inequality and their visions for social change. Black Republicans and Republican leaners are more likely than Black Democrats and Democratic leaners to focus on the acts of individuals. For example, when summarizing the nature of racism against Black people in the U.S., the majority of Black Republicans (59%) say racist acts committed by individual people is a bigger problem for Black people than racism in our laws. Black Democrats (41%) are less likely to hold this view.

Black Republicans (45%) are also more likely than Black Democrats (21%) to say that Black people who cannot get ahead in the U.S. are mostly responsible for their own condition. And while similar shares of Black Republicans (79%) and Democrats (80%) say they experience racial discrimination on a regular basis, Republicans (64%) are more likely than Democrats (36%) to say that most Black people who want to get ahead can make it if they are willing to work hard.

On the other hand, Black Democrats are more likely than Black Republicans to focus on the impact that racial inequality has on Black Americans. Seven-in-ten Black Democrats (73%) say racial discrimination is the main reason many Black people cannot get ahead in the U.S, while about four-in-ten Black Republicans (44%) say the same. And Black Democrats are more likely than Black Republicans to say racism (67% vs. 46%) and police brutality (65% vs. 44%) are extremely big problems for Black people today.

Black Democrats are also more critical of U.S. institutions than Black Republicans are. For example, Black Democrats are more likely than Black Republicans to say the prison system (57% vs. 35%), policing (52% vs. 29%) and the courts and judicial process (50% vs. 35%) should be completely rebuilt for Black people to be treated fairly.

While the share of Black Democrats who want to see large-scale changes to the criminal justice system exceeds that of Black Republicans, they share similar views on police funding. Four-in-ten each of Black Democrats and Black Republicans say funding for police departments in their communities should remain the same, while around a third of each partisan coalition (36% and 37%, respectively) says funding should increase. Only about one-in-four Black Democrats (24%) and one-in-five Black Republicans (21%) say funding for police departments in their communities should decrease.

Among the survey’s other findings:

Black adults differ by age in their views on political strategies. Black adults ages 65 and older (77%) are most likely to say voting is an extremely or very effective strategy for moving Black people toward equality. They are significantly more likely than Black adults ages 18 to 29 (48%) and 30 to 49 (60%) to say this. Black adults 65 and older (48%) are also more likely than those ages 30 to 49 (38%) and 50 to 64 (42%) to say protesting is an extremely or very effective strategy. Roughly four-in-ten Black adults ages 18 to 29 say this (44%).

Gender plays a role in how Black adults view policing. Though majorities of Black women (65%) and men (56%) say police brutality is an extremely big problem for Black people living in the U.S. today, Black women are more likely than Black men to hold this view. When it comes to criminal justice, Black women (56%) and men (51%) are about equally likely to share the view that the prison system should be completely rebuilt to ensure fair treatment of Black people. However, Black women (52%) are slightly more likely than Black men (45%) to say this about policing. On the matter of police funding, Black women (39%) are slightly more likely than Black men (31%) to say police funding in their communities should be increased. On the other hand, Black men are more likely than Black women to prefer that funding stay the same (44% vs. 36%). Smaller shares of both Black men (23%) and women (22%) would like to see police funding decreased.

Income impacts Black adults’ views on reparations. Roughly eight-in-ten Black adults with lower (78%), middle (77%) and upper incomes (79%) say the descendants of people enslaved in the U.S. should receive reparations. Among those who support reparations, Black adults with upper and middle incomes (both 84%) are more likely than those with lower incomes (75%) to say educational scholarships would be an extremely or very helpful form of repayment. However, of those who support reparations, Black adults with lower (72%) and middle incomes (68%) are more likely than those with higher incomes (57%) to say cash payments would be an extremely or very helpful form of repayment for slavery.

Black adults in the September 2020 survey only include those who say their race is Black alone and are non-Hispanic. The same is true only for the questions of improvements to Black people’s lives and equality in the United States in the October 2021 survey. Throughout the rest of this report, Black adults include those who say their race is Black alone and non-Hispanic; those who say their race is Black and at least one other race and non-Hispanic; or Black and Hispanic, unless otherwise noted. ↩

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