There are several methods that can be used to collect data. Some are better for simply collecting observational data about an individual's behaviors, while others add more context to user interactions by asking questions and engaging in discussions. These are Observation and Interrogative Data Collection Methods.
Observation methods are useful for collecting data to simply note individuals' behaviors when interacting with a system or completing a task. Some of these methods include:
Naturalistic Observation
Field Observations
Wizard of Oz Studies
References:
Dahlbäck, N., Jönsson, A., & Ahrenberg, L. (1993). Wizard of Oz studies — why and how. Elsevier BV. 10.1016/0950-7051(93)90017-n
DeJoode, J. A., Cooke, N. J., & Shope, S. M. (2003). Naturalistic Observation of Airport Incident Command. Proceedings of the Human Factors and Ergonomics Society Annual Meeting, 47(3), 663-667. 10.1177/154193120304700386
Roth, E., Christian, C., Gustafson, M., Sheridan, T., Dwyer, K., Gandhi, T., Zinner, M., & Dierks, M. (2004). Using field observations as a tool for discovery: analys ing cognitive and collaborative demands in the operating room. Cognition, Technology & Work, 6(3), 148-157. 10.1007/s10111-004-0156-0
Interrogative methods are useful for adding more context to a users interaction by asking them questions about their experiences either through guided discussions or survey/questionnaires.
Some of these methods include:
Focus Groups
Interviews
Surveys/Questionnaires
References:
Eysenbach, G., & Köhler, C. (2002). How do consumers search for and appraise health information on the world wide web? Qualitative study using focus groups, usability tests, and in-depth interviews. Bmj, 324(7337), 573-577. 10.1136/bmj.324.7337.573
Garmer, K., Ylvén, J., & MariAnne Karlsson, I. C. (2004). User participation in requirements elicitation comparing focus group interviews and usability tests for eliciting usability requirements for medical equipment: a case study. International Journal of Industrial Ergonomics, 33(2), 85-98. 10.1016/j.ergon.2003.07.005
Lewis, J. (2002). Psychometric Evaluation of the PSSUQ Using Data from Five Years of Usability Studies. International Journal of Human-Computer Interaction, 14(3), 463-488. 10.1207/S15327590IJHC143&4_11