Data collection methods series: Part 6: Managing collected data

This data management article ends our data collection series. We have provided brief summaries of several practical aspects of collecting data from clarifying the purpose for collecting data,²¹ deciding on a data collection mode,²² developing protocols for handling data collection and resulting data,²³ designing forms and instruments for collecting data,²⁴ training staff,¹⁶ and, finally, with this article, managing data that are collected. Ideally, each of these 6 steps is seriously considered, if not formally determined, before beginning the process of collecting data. In many cases, delaying these plans and decisions dramatically influences the entire study, especially the quality of the final data files that are the foundation of the study's legitimacy.