In this activity, students contribute to a research project by collecting data from relevant sources. They receive instructions from and collaborate with a teacher. The exercise can be used both for qualitatively and quantitatively based research projects.
The students acquire knowledge and awareness of theory and methodology while experiencing some of the first stages in a research project. The collected data may be used by and benefit both you as a teacher and the students. At the same time, other researchers, teachers, and students in your academic field may use the data, or it may be used in interdisciplinary studies. Finally, the close collaboration between students and teachers may improve the academic environment and install a sense of productivity and relevance in the students, which may be motivating for them.