Which step involves gathering data for reporting?

• A. Collect
• B. Observe
• C. Quantify
• D. Report

Answer: (A)

Gathering data for reporting happens during the collection phase. This step focuses on pulling together raw information from all relevant sources—observations, measurements, records, and other evidence—so there is material to analyze and present. Observing describes the act of noticing what’s happening, which can feed data but is not the explicit act of assembling all data for use in a report. Quantifying involves turning gathered information into numerical values, a processing step that comes after data is collected. Reporting is the final stage where the collected and analyzed data are communicated to others. So, the action that directly involves gathering data for the report is collection.